Mr. Kirti Bhatt

Kirti Bhatt of Ahmedabad's Consumer Education & Research Centre, says: "In case of delay, the builder is liable to refund the amount paid with interest (for the period of delay) as there has been a breach of contract." Bhatt says Gujarat Ownership Flats' Act, 1973, for instance, mandates builders to mention the possession date in the agreement. "Default would attract penalty under both Consumer Protection Act and the Flat Act," says Bhatt.

At the first Technical Session, Prof. S. Peer Mohamed, Chairman, Federation of Consumer Organisations of Tamilnadu (FEDCOT), will present the consumer organisations' viewpoint, and Prof. Shah and Mr. Kirti Bhatt, Director - Legal Services, CERC, will share the experiences of their study tours abroad.

CERC legal department director Kirti Bhatt says: "The recent judgment by Delhi HC is relevant here as well.