New Delhi, Oct. 29 -- A Mumbai consumer commission has directed real estate developer Soundlines Eco Homes and its partners to refund Rs.45.45 lakh, along with 9% annual interest, to a homebuyer who did not receive possession of his flat in Panvel within the agreed deadline. The total payout, including accrued interest, was reported at Rs.86.37 lakh.

The Additional District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Mumbai Suburban, also ordered the developer and its partners to pay Rs.75,000 towards litigation costs and mental agony. It held that a homebuyer cannot be expected to wait indefinitely for possession and that the developer's failure to meet its contractual commitment amounted to a deficiency in service.

The case concerns Tapan...