Flat owners for giving DLF a chance of hearing at COMPAT

Two flat owners' associations have filed a caveat in the competition appellate tribunal COMPAT, requesting it not to decide on case concerning realty major DLF without giving them a chance of hearing.

The case pertains to fair trade regulator Competition Commission of India (CCI) having imposed Rs 630 crore fine on DLF for abusing its dominant position and imposing unfair conditions on the buyers of its flats. DLF, in turn, plans to move the COMPAT challenging the CCI order.

According to the sources, the associations -- Belaire Owners' Association and Park Place Residents' Welfare Association -- have filed a caveat in the COMPAT, to be heard first, in case DLF challenged the CCI's order.

Caveat, which means "let it beware", is filed by a party before any judicial forum so that no order is passed without hearing him.

The CCI had imposed the penalty on DLF following an enquiry on a complaint filed by a Belaire Owners' Association in Gurgaon and Park Place Resident's Association.

In May last year, the associations had complained to CCI that DLF had promised to complete the residential projects in Gurgaon in 2009, but the buyers are yet to get the possession.

Besides, it alleged that DLF "imposed highly arbitrary, unfair and unreasonable conditions on the apartment allottees, which has serious adverse effects and ramifications on the rights of the allottees."

Besides, the CCI found that DLF had announced the project before getting necessary conditions and clearances, and delayed the completion of the project.