• Won RERA but no possession given and Bank filed DRT

I had booked a property under a subvention scheme according to which I paid 10% at the time of booking and then had to pay 10% at the time of possession.
Since the project was delayed, it went out of the subvention period and since there was a delay from the Builder, I filed a RERA case with the builder which I won 6 months ago that ordered the builder to hand over the property to me along with interest on the payments made after payment of balance if any. 
Since there was no compliance by the builder, I approached the RERA again and they issued an Execution notice to comply within 2 weeks. That period too expired last week.
Meanwhile, Bank filed a DRT case against me seeking recovery maintaining that the loan is between me and the bank. I have signed a tripartite agreement with the bank and the builder , also bank has vetted the builder before extending me the loan under the subvention scheme.
1. What is the next step for me to get possession since Builder has not complied with the execution notice.
2. Do I still need to fight the DRT case or can it be delayed till builder complies with the RERA order?
3. Lawyers tell me that DRT cases are expensive to fight - what do you suggest I do ? I do not want to settle the debt with the bank till I get possesssion of the property
Asked 14 hours ago in Property Law
Religion: Hindu

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8 Answers

You have to fight DRT case 

 

2) litigation is long drawn and expensive proposition 

 

3)in  case a developer does not honour the Rera order, it. Is forwarded   to the concerned district magistrate to recover the dues. The district magistrate recovers the money as arrears of land revenue. Money so recovered is deposited in Rera account and from there it is transferred to the beneficiaries of the Rera order.

Ajay Sethi
Advocate, Mumbai
97489 Answers
7881 Consultations

1.     Bank cannot seek recovery without adding builder as a party in view of tripartite agreement. Bank is necessary part of any procedure  by bank.

2.     File a petition in DRT seeking to add builder as a respondent/defendant  No. 2.

3.     Seek stay of all DRT proceedings until possession is given to you with cc and oc.

4.     You can also approach High Court if DRT application to add build a party is rejected.

Ravi Shinde
Advocate, Hyderabad
4406 Answers
42 Consultations

Your case involves multiple legal issues related to RERA, the builder's non-compliance, and the DRT case filed by the bank. Below are practical, court-applicable suggestions based on your situation:

Here’s a practical and court-applicable strategy tailored to address your situation, as well as guidance on how I can assist with the legal drafting and case handling:

1. Next Step to Get Possession Since Builder Has Not Complied with the Execution Notice

  • File a Contempt Petition Against the Builder:

    • RERA allows you to initiate contempt proceedings under Section 63 for non-compliance with its orders. Contempt proceedings can lead to fines or even imprisonment of the builder's directors or representatives, increasing pressure for compliance.
    • Draft a strong contempt petition that emphasizes the builder's deliberate delay, ongoing harassment, and the financial burden imposed on you.

  • Request a Recovery Certificate (RC) from RERA:

    • Under Section 40 of RERA, you can seek a recovery certificate for the amount due (interest + balance) and enforce it through the local District Collector.
    • The RC process allows the government authorities to attach and auction the builder's properties to recover dues. If possession is not feasible immediately, this ensures you receive compensation.

  • Demand Police Assistance for Possession (if applicable):

    • In some states, RERA can direct local authorities or police to assist in handing over possession. Check with the RERA authority if this is available.

Drafting Service Offer: I can draft a detailed contempt petition or a recovery certificate request that ensures a faster response from RERA.

 

2. Do You Need to Fight the DRT Case or Can It Be Delayed?

  • Yes, You Must Respond to the DRT Case, but:

    • You can file a defense claiming that the default is due to the builder's failure, as the loan liability arose from the subvention scheme.
    • In your reply, include:

      • The RERA order against the builder.
      • The tripartite agreement clauses showing that the bank vetted the builder and was aware of the subvention scheme.
      • Request the DRT to adjourn or delay proceedings until the builder complies with the RERA order.

  • Seek a Stay on DRT Proceedings:

    • If your state has a RERA Appellate Tribunal, you can apply for a stay of DRT proceedings, arguing that enforcement is dependent on possession being granted by the builder.

Key Tip:
A strong response can delay the DRT proceedings, giving you time to enforce the RERA order. I can draft a comprehensive defense statement for the DRT case.

 

3. How to Handle DRT Costs Practically

    • Request a temporary moratorium or restructuring of the loan until the RERA order is complied with.

  • Low-Cost Legal Representation in DRT:

    • DRT lawyers can be expensive, but I can assist in drafting all necessary responses and pleadings at a significantly lower cost. You can then hire a lawyer for only court appearances, reducing fees.

  • File a Counterclaim Against Builder and Bank:

    • A counterclaim in the DRT case can shift some of the burden to the builder and even the bank. This can delay the proceedings, as the bank and builder will need to address your claims.

4. Manipulating the Case to Your Advantage

  • If you'd like me to take over, I can prepare and manage all the legal documents, including:


    • Contempt Petition in RERA.

    • Execution Follow-Up Applications (for RC or police assistance).

    • Replies and Counterclaims in DRT.

  • This ensures all filings are error-free, properly formatted, and aligned with legal precedents. This also signals to the court and other parties that you're fully prepared to escalate the case if required.

Practical Summary

  • Enforce the RERA Order:

    • File contempt and seek attachment or recovery certificates from RERA.
    • Request police assistance if possible.

  • Defend the DRT Case:

    • Argue for adjournment or stay based on the builder's liability.
    • Negotiate with the bank to defer proceedings.

  • Cost-Effective Representation:

    • Let me handle the drafting of all necessary petitions, applications, and defenses.
    • Engage an affordable lawyer for court appearances only.

Would you like me to start drafting the Contempt Petition for RERA or the DRT Reply to help you move forward?

Sharan Chopra
Advocate, Chandigarh
9 Answers

Rera has directed the builder to hand over possession 

I want to know whether OC for the building is received ? 

It appears that you have to pay 20% from your pocket, 10% at time of booking and 10% at possession 

This means the balance 80% would have been paid by the bank under the subvention scheme to the builder on your behalf 

So you are indebted to the bank for that 80% regardless of the fact that you have not got the possession 

The subvention scheme is discontinued by RBI and is prohibited. There appears to be some RBI circular for that 

I would like to see your tripartite agreement to ascertain when your liability to repay the loan is triggered 

Yusuf Rampurawala
Advocate, Mumbai
7747 Answers
79 Consultations

In some cases, banks may not be able to take action against home buyers for defaulting on EMIs in a subvention agreement if the builder is at fault. However, this depends on the circumstances of the case. 

A subvention agreement is a tripartite agreement between a buyer, bank, and builder that finances a flat. 

In some cases, the builder may not pay the EMIs until the buyer takes possession of the property. 

If the builder defaults on the EMIs, the homebuyer may not be penalized. 

However, if the homebuyer knowingly signed the agreement, they may be liable to repay the EMIs. 

Banks may be required to ensure that the loan amount is disbursed in line with the construction stages.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) can regulate subvention schemes and penalize banks and developers who misuse them

If the bank has not impleaded the builder as a party in the DRT case you may file a petition to implead him as necessary party to the petition because the liability to repay the EMI can be shifted on the builder under the subvention scheme, especially when you already have an order for possession through RERA.

As an interim relief you can obtain a stay order to stay the DRT proceedings in this regard by filing a writ petition before high court

T Kalaiselvan
Advocate, Vellore
87691 Answers
2354 Consultations

To address your situation, as the builder has failed to comply with the RERA execution notice, you should move for attachment of the builder's properties under Section 40(1) of the RERA Act and initiate contempt proceedings for non-compliance. Regarding the DRT case, while the loan liability remains yours, you should file an impleadment application to make the builder a party to the dispute, highlighting their non-compliance as a defence. This will also allow you to seek directions for the bank to recover dues from the builder under the tripartite agreement. Although DRT cases can be expensive, consider filing a counterclaim against the bank for failing to ensure due diligence under the subvention scheme and link your inability to settle the loan to the builder’s non-performance. Additionally, you may approach the consumer forum for deficiency in service and damages caused by both the builder and the bank. Negotiating with the bank for a moratorium period or reduced EMIs until possession is handed over could also help ease financial pressure.

Aman Verma
Advocate, Delhi
220 Answers

Navigating your situation involving the non-compliance of a RERA order and a simultaneous DRT case initiated by the bank requires a strategic approach. Here are the steps you can consider to address both issues effectively:

  1. Enforcing RERA Order for Possession:


    • Contempt Proceedings: Since the builder has not complied with the execution notice from RERA, you can consider filing for contempt proceedings against the builder. This legal step would pressurize the builder to comply with the RERA order under the threat of penal consequences.

    • Engage with RERA for Further Action: Continuously engage with RERA authorities explaining the non-compliance and seeking their intervention to enforce the order rigorously.

  2. Dealing with the DRT Case:


    • Engage a Lawyer Specialized in DRT Matters: Given the complexity and the stakes involved in DRT proceedings, hiring a competent lawyer who specializes in banking and finance law is crucial. They can help you navigate the DRT process more effectively.

    • Present Your Case: In the DRT, present the fact that you are unable to fulfill the loan conditions due to the builder's failure to deliver the property as per the tripartite agreement. This can help in making a case for delaying the bank's recovery process until the possession issue is resolved.

    • Seek Delay or Moratorium: Your lawyer can argue for a delay in the DRT proceedings or request a temporary moratorium on the bank's recovery actions until the RERA order is complied with. This would be based on the principle that your inability to comply with the loan agreement stems directly from the builder’s non-compliance.

  3. Financial and Legal Strategy:


    • Cost Assessment: Since fighting a DRT case can be expensive, discuss with your lawyer the potential costs versus the benefits. If the property’s value and the importance of possession justify the legal expenses, it might be prudent to proceed.

    • Negotiation with the Bank: Alternatively, explore the possibility of negotiating with the bank. Given that the bank had vetted the builder and was a party to the tripartite agreement, they may be amenable to restructuring your loan terms or waiting for the builder’s compliance before enforcing their rights.

  4. Continuous Legal Monitoring:


    • Monitor Legal Developments: Laws and regulations regarding real estate, banking disputes, and consumer rights are subject to frequent changes. Keep yourself informed about any new developments that could potentially impact your case.

Given your situation, the primary goal is to enforce the RERA order for possession while managing the DRT case in such a way that it does not escalate to an immediate financial burden. Coordination between your actions in both cases will be crucial.

For detailed, personalized advice, consider a phone consultancy. Hope you find the information helpful. You are free to contact me for further discussion. If you could spare two minutes of your time to write a review, it would be greatly appreciated and bring immense happiness to read it. Thank you. Shubham Goyal.

Shubham Goyal
Advocate, Delhi
504 Answers
1 Consultation

You execute your order and issue non bailable warrant against him. Go for attcahment if he doesn’t comply. In DRT you file rera order and seek stay 

Prashant Nayak
Advocate, Mumbai
32857 Answers
209 Consultations

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