Akela
A buyer has filed a writ petition in the Bombay High Court against controversial construction company ‘The Lodha group’ seeking interest on late possession of his new flat. The Lodha Group, which has Bharatiya Janata Party’s Malabar Hill legislator and Mangal Prabhat Lodha, chairman of the group, has extorted late fee from the buyer but not given possession till date.
Sanjiv Lalmani Pandey a transporter by profession is a resident of Dombivali (west). 37-year-old Pandey on August 3, 2013 had booked a flat in C-1804, 18th floor, Majestica building in Casa Bella project, Dombivali (east). Total cost of flat was Rs. 66, 62, 664. During the booking process, Lodha had promised (copy available with ABI) possession on October 30, 2013. As per Lodha group’s rule Pandey paid 20% of flat amount and got the flat registered (agreement) on September 23, 2013.
Pandey applied for Rs. 50 lakh loan in Bank Of India, Taloja branch. Before which, he paid the balance amount to Lodha. On September 29, 2013 Lodha gave NOC (copy available with ABI) to Bank of India (BOI) allowing the sanction of loan to Pandey.
The Bank Of India on December 31 handed over the cheque of the loan amount to Pandey. The same day Pandey handed over cheque to Lodha. This time too Lodha promised of giving away the possession soon.
Pandey was shocked when he received letter from Lodha demanding him to pay Rs. 2, 03,000, late payment as possession due date was October 16 and he (Pandey) paid the loan amount on December 31. Lodha also threatened Pandey saying if he canceled the booking, only Rs. 5 lakh will be refundable.
Helpless Pandey paid Rs. 2, 03,000 late payments.
The “International worst” builder
One day Pandey received call from Lodha informing that his another Rs 1,200 (One Thousand, Two Hundred Only) is balanced. The caller threatened if he (Pandey) failed to pay Rs 1,200 his registration will be cancelled. Pandey also paid Rs 1,200. Lodha builders claims of being an international level company, and see, these are the international level activities they do. Lodha is a brand name and they harass their customers for a meager amount of Rs. 1,200.
Since then Pandey devoting all his energy and time to get the possession but no one is taking the responsibility. “Every day I am getting a new date of possession,” said Pandey.
Now Pandey has filed a petition in the Bombay High Court seeking interest on paid amount since due date of possession.
“If Lodha can take late payment from me, then I am also liable to take interest from him. I am paying Rs. 48, 362 as the EMI to bank. I have filed a petition against him. I paid the complete amount but no one is taking responsibility for possession,” said Pandey.
“I am also filing a petition in Bombay High Court seeking inquiry through CBI, Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Income Tax that how much black money has Lodha extorted from buyers by adopting such cheap tactics,” said Pandey.
When contacted Jayant Tambe, sales manager, The Lodha group said, “I am not responsible for possession. Talk to customer care. Mujhe jaisa ooper se order aata hai, main waisa hi karta hu”.