Chandigarh, Oct. 22 -- The district consumer disputes redressal commission, Chandigarh, has directed the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to refund Rs.9,900 withheld from a marriage venue booking cancelled during the Covid-19 lockdown, along with 9% annual interest and Rs.5,000 as compensation for harassment, mental agony and litigation expenses.

The case concerns Harvinder Pal, a Chandigarh resident from Manimajra, who booked the Panchkula Community Centre in Sector 6 for his daughter's wedding scheduled for April 26, 2020. He had paid Rs.74,900 for the booking on November 2, 2019.

However, the wedding function could not be held at the venue due to the Covid-19 lockdown. Pal sought a refund of the entire amount on May 7, 2020...