Handing Over Possession To Third Party Without Buyer's Consent Is Deficiency In Service: NCDRC

The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, under the presidency of AVM J. Rajendra, held Maya Realtors accountable for deficient service by transferring possession of a booked flat to a third party without the buyer's consent. The complainant had fully paid Rs. 15,81,650 for a flat in Maya Heights but found a stranger occupying it upon completion. The builder failed to inform the buyer about the flat's readiness or hand over keys, prompting a consumer complaint in Kerala seeking Rs. 1 crore in compensation. The State Commission ruled in favor of the complainant, awarding Rs. 10,00,000 compensation and litigation costs of Rs. 5,000. Maya Realtors appealed this decision before the National Commission, disputing the possession transfer claim. The case underscores issues of consumer rights and builder obligations under the Consumer Protection Act.