Contractor fined Rs 7 lakh for 'defective services'

The Thane District Consumer Redressal Forum has given this order to the contractor.

The case relates to Sree Swami Samartha Co-op Housing Society in Kalyan constructed in 1999, which developed leakages and other problems. The repair work was given to Maximcon Association from Bhandup in 2006 at a cost of Rs 7 lakh, which included defect liability for five years.

However, despite the repair work, there were complaints of leakages in the society building. According to the society members, the paint also started peeling out. Despite informing the contractor about the problem, he did not respond, they said.

The society also got an audit of the work done by an auditor, who said that the work was defective. Following this, the society approached the consumer forum.

In his submission, the contractor alleged that it was a "tactic" by the society to avoid additional payment for some extra work.

Accepting the complaint made by the housing society, president of the forum R B Somani and member Jyoti Iyer noted that the contractor was putting forth "acceptable" arguments.

The forum dismissed his argument and ordered the contractor to pay Rs 4 lakh to the society for repair work and Rs 3 lakh towards compensation. It also ordered him to pay Rs 10,000 as legal expenses.