State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission
M/S Hubtown Ltd vs Shantaram Sitaram Joshi on 12 October, 2018
1 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031)
STATE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION
MAHARASHTRA, MUMBAI
FIRST APPEAL NOs.A/15/1001 TO A/15/1031
[1] Appeal No.A/15/1001
1.M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. MrVimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Vimal Bhanudas Varak Akruti Nirman Room No.44, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [2] Appeal No.A/15/1002
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), 2 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Shantaram Sitaram Joshi Akruti Nirman Room No.20, Transit Camp No.3, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [3] Appeal No.A/15/1003
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Vinayak Dhondu Rane Akruti Nirman Room No.119, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [4] Appeal No.A/15/1004
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), 3 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Anand Raghoba Patil Akruti Nirman Room No.57, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [5] Appeal No.A/15/1005
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Kashinath Narhari Kale Akruti Nirman Room No.51, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s) 4 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [6] Appeal No.A/15/1006
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Chandrakant Arjun Jadhav Akruti Nirman Room No.75, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [7] Appeal No.A/15/1007
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Pandurang Santu Gite Akruti Nirman 5 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Room No.119, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [8] Appeal No.A/15/1008
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Dr.Vijay Kashinath Kulkarni Akruti Nirman Room No.5, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [9] Appeal No.A/15/1009
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., 6 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Dhanaji More Akruti Nirman Room No.4, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [10] Appeal No.A/15/1010
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Ashok Madan Gawade Akruti Nirman Room No.67, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [11] Appeal No.A/15/1011
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., 7 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Janardan Vishnu Mudgul Akruti Nirman Room No.61, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [12] Appeal No.A/15/1012
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Kashinath Sitaram More Akruti Nirman Room No.43, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), 8 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [13] Appeal No.A/15/1013
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Usha Gopichand Mohite Akruti Nirman Room No.64, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [14] Appeal No.A/15/1014
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Yashoda Mohite 9 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Akruti Nirman Room No.60, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [15] Appeal No.A/15/1015
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Anandibai Ghode Akruti Nirman Room No.10, Transit Camp No.3, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [16] Appeal No.A/15/1016
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, 10 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Laxmi Mahadeo Wadkar Akruti Nirman Room No.61, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [17] Appeal No.A/15/1017
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Bhagirathi Hari Lad Akruti Nirman Room No.70, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [18] Appeal No.A/15/1018
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, 11 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Mangala Shantaram Lingayat Akruti Nirman Room No.60, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [19] Appeal No.A/15/1019
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Vasant Bhiku Patil Akruti Nirman Room No.54, Transit Camp No.8, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, 12 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [20] Appeal No.A/15/1020
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Narayan Balgude Akruti Nirman Room No.44, Transit Camp No.7, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [21] Appeal No.A/15/1021
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus 13 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Shri.Krishna Chintu Gharat Akruti Nirman Room No.08, Transit Camp No.1, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [22] Appeal No.A/15/1022
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Sahadev Mukund Bane Akruti Nirman Room No.06, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [23] Appeal No.A/15/1023
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director 14 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Salvador D'souza Akruti Nirman Room No.69, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [24] Appeal No.A/15/1024
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Kalpana Yogesh Bhoge Akruti Nirman Room No.70, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [25] Appeal No.A/15/1025
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
15 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Vanita Vitthal Balgude Akruti Nirman Room No.71, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [26] Appeal No.A/15/1026
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Bharati Sahadev Bane Akruti Nirman Room No.54, Transit Camp No.8, Telli Gally, 16 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [27] Appeal No.A/15/1027
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Smt.Bharti Bharkar Bhoir Room No.50, Transit Camp No.8, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [28] Appeal No.A/15/1028
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Jayram Mukund Gawad 17 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) Akruti Nirman Room No.73, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [29] Appeal No.A/15/1029
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Sharad Madan Gawade Akruti Nirman Room No.72, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [30] Appeal No.A/15/1030
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) 18 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) versus Shri.Jayesh Khimaji Salave Akruti Nirman Room No.50, Transit Camp No.4, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [31] Appeal No.A/15/1031
1. M/s.Hubtown Ltd.
Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093.
2. Mr.Vimal Shah Director Akruti Trade Centre, Road No.7, Marol M.I.D.C., Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 093. Appellant(s) versus Shri.Gajanan Shankar Jadhav Akruti Nirman Room No.41, Transit Camp No.2, Telli Gally, N.S.Phadke Road, Saiwadi, Andheri(E), Mumbai 400 069. Respondent(s)
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BEFORE:
Hon'ble Mr.Justice A.P.Bhangale, President Hon'ble Mr.A.K.Zade, Member PRESENT:
For the Advocate Shri.Anand Patwardhan alongwith Appellant(s): Sheetal Chaturvedi i/b MDP & Partners 19 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) For the Respondent(s): Nobody is present for respondents in Appeal Nos.
1008/15, 1020/15, 1021/15, 1022/15, 1026/15 and 1030/15.
Advocate Shri.Dayanand S.Aahierey for respondents in remaining matters COMMON ORDER Per: Hon'ble Mr.Justice A.P.Bhangale, President [1] By these appeals developer/builder/promoter in respect of construction of the building project situated at CTS No.428, 429 and 430 village Gundavali, Andheri(E), Mumbai had promised to give flats to the slum dwellers in the Slum Rehabilitation Scheme in consideration of a contract dated 26/12/1994 entered into with slum dwellers by the appellants. Each of the slum dweller as party to the contract were to get a flat in the building constructed as 'Rehabilation' for rehabilitation of slum dwellers. While the available excess F.S.I. was to be utilized by the builder/developer to sell the flats in the building meant for sale portion. The contract of construction to offer permanent alternative flat to each of the slum dweller, builder as party to the contract was to be made available within 18 months w.e.f. the date of vacation of the erstwhile slum i.e.19/05/2005. The slum dwellers were offered transit accommodation during pendency of construction of new building upon written promise that within 15 months they will get their alternate accommodation on permanent basis. The facts appearing in the case do indicate that the complainants before the learned District Forum had earlier filed writ petition bearing No.472 of 2008 as a result of which High Power Committee was appointed which required the builder/developer to rehabilitate the slum dwellers(complainants). Thereafter, the contract in question was entered into whereby the slum dwellers(complainants) were to be rehabilitated. Each slum dweller was to get flat in the area of 225 sq.ft. pursuant to the agreement dated 26/12/1994. [2] We have heard submissions at the bar.
20 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) [3] Each of the complainant before the learned Forum below had made a grievance that they had in May 2005 vacated their huts in slums area and enabled the opponent developer/builder/promoter to construct the building so that as promised within 18 months the building would be constructed and each of the slum dweller who was party to the contract will get accommodation of 225 sq.ft. in the area in the newly constructed building as rehab portion of the project. Learned Forum below considered these relevant facts whereby builder/developer had agreed to provide permanent alternate accommodation to each of the slum dwellers(complainant) pursuant to the agreement between them dated 26/12/1994. We are informed that pursuant to the order in Writ Petition No.472 of 2008 Hon'ble Bombay High Court had referred the case to the High Power Committee as a result which the builder/developer were required to construct the building and to provide permanent alternate accommodation to the complainants(slum dwellers). Learned District Forum in the impugned Judgment recorded finding that till the year 2010 the promises made by the builder/developer to the slum dwellers were not fulfilled pursuant to the contract. It is under these circumstances, learned Forum below held that the complainants suffered from delay in providing residential accommodation to them and also they suffered mentally and physically and economically too as a result of deficiency in service as also negligence and wrong committed by the builder/ developer. It is under these circumstances, each of the complainant was granted Award of Rs.3,00,000/- and litigation costs in the sum of Rs.10,000/- . Compliance was directed within 30 days from the date of receipt of copy of order by builder/developer failing which the amount was payable together with interest @18% p.a. [4] Learned Advocate for appellants submitted that complainants could have availed remedy under the Maharashtra Slum Act and in view of section 42 of the said Act no Civil Court shall have jurisdiction in respect of any matter which the Appellant Authority, Competent Authority, Grievance Redressal Committee or Tribunal is empowered by or under the Act, to 21 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) determine; and no injunction shall be granted by any court or either authority in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or under that Act. In other words it is submitted that the learned Forum below had no jurisdiction to pass an Award though project was delayed and there was delay to deliver possession of the permanent alternate accommodation to each of the complainant. The contention that the impugned Award could not have been passed under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is not acceptable to us. In our view under section 3 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 there is additional and supplemental remedy available to a person who falls within definition of 'consumer' within meaning of section 2(1)(d) of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. In the facts and circumstances of the case each of the complainants as consumer had vacated the premises in their occupation in favour of the builder/developer for consideration that they will get permanent alternate accommodation of 225 sq.ft. to each of them. The builder/developer had under the contract made promises in consideration of vacating slum area by each of the complainant and enabled themselves to construct the building project including presale area and rehab area. Thus builder/developer became service provider within the meaning of the Act and was under
obligation under the contract to construct the building in accordance with sanctioned plan and to provide residential accommodation to each of the complainants as promised. There is no question of transgression of limits by the learned Forum below so as to pass any order contrary to the Slum Redevelopment Act. The power was exercised in the facts and circumstances of the case in view of the independent and supplemental remedy available under section 3 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. When consumer dispute was raised by the complainants against the service provider in their capacity as consumer within the definition of section 2(1)
(d) of the Act, nothing prevented the learned Forum below to pass appropriate Award by entertaining and deciding the complaint. We therefore find that when there was delay to deliver possession to each of the
22 (Common Order A/15/1001 To A/15/1031) complainants and there was avoidance on the part of the builder/developer to take steps to form registered Co-operative Housing Society of the flat occupants in the building project as contemplated under the Maharashtra Ownership of Flats Act, 1963 the builder/developer indulged into deficiency in service as contemplated under the provisions of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. Therefore, learned Forum below rightly passed impugned Judgment and Award.
[5] Our attention is invited by the learned Advocate for the appellants to the ruling in Tukaram Dhondi Sutar (since deceased) through legal heirs Sakharam Tukaram Sutar and ors. versus Nana Bhau Tibile and ors., reported in 2018(4)Mh.L.J. , page 397. The facts and circumstances stated in the ruling cited before us are not attracted in the facts and circumstances of the present case as in our view the Consumer Fora do have jurisdiction to entertain the complaint by any consumer raising the consumer dispute so as to decide the dispute as an additional and supplemental remedy within the legal framework so as to record findings as to whether service provider indulged into deficiency in service or unfair trade practice. Learned Forum below therefore was well within its jurisdiction to decide the consumer dispute. In the result, therefore, we dismiss all these appeals. No order as to costs.
Certified copy of this order be supplied to both the parties. Pronounced on 12th October, 2018.
[JUSTICE A.P.BHANGALE] PRESIDENT [A.K.ZADE] MEMBER rsc