If you don't get your dream house, even after you've paid for it, there's much more that you can do than fret! In a recent case, the National Consumer Commission has awarded not only damages, but also interest on the principal amount, which was paid by the complainant.

When 70 year old JL Seth and his wife had booked a flat in Greater Noida eight years ago, with the Senior Citizen Home Complex Welfare Society. The Society had agreed to hand it over by June 2000, but Seth alleges that they were constantly misinformed about the status of the flat. This was despite paying the installments regularly, they did not get the possession of the flat.

Complainant, JL Seth told CNBC-TV18, "You can imagine the mental torture and type of harassments that we had undergone all these years - for eight long years, they kept the money and then they said that they won't pay me any interest - is it fair?"

But now a judgement is set to bring relief to many other consumers like Seth. Advocate, Supreme Court, SK Sharma says, "The important judgement lays down the principle of law - that not only the principle amount becomes due to be paid to the particular complainant - but also interest can be awarded as a form of damage, which is to be calculated on the basis of market rate".

When contacted, the Society said, their management is seeking opinion from its legal experts and further action will be decided thereafter.

(Author: Anumeet Kaur Bedi)