Haryana RERA Orders Godrej Developer to Pay 10.8% Interest for Delayed Flat Possession in Gurgaon Project
Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (H- RERA) has issued a strong directive to Godrej Real View Developers, ordering the company to pay 10.8% annual interest to a Lucknow-based couple for delayed possession of their apartment in the Godrej Meridien-I project in Sector 106, Gurgaon. The order underscores RERA’s strict stance on timely delivery and homebuyer protection.
The case was filed by allottees Malik Ram and Sarita Verma under Section 31 of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016. The couple, who had booked a second- floor flat worth approximately Rs 1.75 crore, had already paid nearly the full amount by May 2024. The original possession date was September 30, 2020, later extended by H-RERA to March 30, 2023, after granting a six-month Covid-related relief.
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The developer defended the delay by citing nationwide Covid lockdowns, labour shortages, rising construction costs, and seasonal pollution bans in NCR. They argued that possession was offered in May 2024 after obtaining the occupation certificate in March 2023, and the conveyance deed was executed in November 2024 before handing over physical possession on November 27, 2024
However, H-RERA rejected these explanations. The Authority held that Covid extension had already been granted, and seasonal pollution- related restrictions were predictable and could not be treated as new force majeure events. The regulatory body found the promoter in violation of Sections 11(4)(a) and 18(1) of the Act for failing to meet the revised possession deadline.
As a result, the buyers are now entitled to monthly interest compensation from March 30, 2023, until the permissible cut-off linked to actual possession. The order reinforces that developers must honor possession timelines and cannot rely on recurring environmental curbs as grounds for further delay.
