Hyderabad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission-I, Hyderabad, has directed the developer of the ‘Oyster Blue Elite’ venture to return the original registered sale deed of two plots to a buyer and pay ₹35,000 as compensation and litigation costs for deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.The Aug 7 order came on a complaint filed by Dr Suresh Babu Kothuri, who purchased two plots measuring 400 sq yards in the venture at Bogaram in Medchal-Malkajgiri district.Dispute over sale priceKothuri stated that the plots were agreed upon at ₹8,000 per sq yard, amounting to ₹32 lakh, which he paid before registration on Feb 24, 2020. He also paid ₹1.5 lakh towards services. The developer, however, contended that the agreed rate was ₹13,000 per sq yard and alleged that part of the sale consideration remained unpaid.The commission found that the agreement supported the ₹8,000 per sq yard rate. It noted that the respondents neither filed an evidence affidavit nor produced supporting documents, including the original sale deed in their possession, and accordingly drew an adverse inference.The commission also rejected the limitation plea, holding that the cause of action arose when the respondents refused to hand over the sale deed in their reply notice dated Jan 11, 2025.The forum directed the respondents to return the original sale deed and pay ₹25,000 as compensation and ₹10,000 towards litigation costs within 45 days.
