The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has imposed a fine of ₹1.10 lakh on a contractor for failure to complete two houses as agreed, thereby causing inconvenience, mental distress, hardship, and financial loss to the complainant.
The Commission, comprising president D.B. Binu and members V. Ramachandran and Sreevidhia T.N., delivered the verdict on a petition filed by Ouseph George of Aluva against Shijo Yohannan of Mattur near Aluva.
According to the petition, the complainant entered into an agreement with the opposite party on November 1, 2017, for the construction of two houses. Despite periodic payments amounting to ₹9,30,900, the contractor allegedly failed to complete the work within the stipulated time and unilaterally stopped construction on August 12, 2018.
The complainant further alleged that sub-standard materials were used, and defects were present, which he claimed to have rectified by engaging other workers at an additional cost around ₹2 lakh. He also filed an original suit before the Aluva munsiff court. A commissioner appointed by the court later confirmed that the works remained incomplete, and no construction was going on at the site. The complainant said that he had availed himself a loan for the project and continued to pay EMIs.
