Rera-K leaves home buyers in lurch

Nearly two years after getting a favourable judgement from the Real Estate Regulatory Authority - Karnataka (Rera-K), Madhuri D (name changed) and her husband are yet to get compensation from builders who have threatened them against filing further plaints.

The couple had approached the Rera-K against their builder for not complying with Rera guidelines. The builder has not yet completed the project in Whitefield and has refused to pay the compensation to the couple despite a direction by Rera-K.

The case is not an exception. There are 840 similar cases in Bengaluru alone, where buyers are awaiting compensation. Fed-up over the government inaction and Rera’s partiality towards builders, 2,000 buyers will stage a protest on May 18.

“Ever since a permanent authority was appointed in Rera-K, buyers are suffering. No action has been taken against the builders. According to Rera rules, the Authority and District Commissioner can seize the property of the builder and receive the amount to be paid to the buyers. But so far, nothing has been done,” said M S Shankar, Convenor Rera-Karnataka Chapter.

Shankar said that as per rules, if compensation is not paid within 60 days, then the DC and Rera-K have the authority to take stern action. But nothing has been done so far. The new Authority came into force on March 7.

Buyers alleged they are unable to approach the courts as builders have been threatening them with life threats. “The officials in Rera-K are lethargic in their attitude. There is no accountability and transparency in their acts now,” Madhuri said.

Rera-K Chairman M R Kamble said action was being taken. “Many builders have been penalised so far. Rera-K is just two years old and is to yet to take roots. Procedures need to be followed. Directions have been given to DCs and Tashildars to take action and we are working on its enforcement,” he said.