In Brief
DLF Homes Panchkula contracted to deliver flats within 24-36 months. Due to court-ordered construction stay and other delays, possession was not delivered by the agreed extended date. Consumers sought compensation including interest, lumpsum amounts, and litigation costs. The Supreme Court held that compensation cannot be awarded under multiple overlapping heads for the same default. Consumers are entitled to 9% per annum interest for two months post-offer of possession and Rs. 50,000 per complaint (covering all heads). Since one delay cause was court-ordered and beyond the developer's control, punitive damages are unwarranted. Awards must follow objective criteria, not arbitrary rule-of-thumb methods.",
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.