For hassled homebuyers, an additional layer of protection from delays, hidden charges, substandard construction
Live MintNew Delhi: For homebuyers facing issues such as construction delays, substandard construction or hidden charges in apartment sales, India’s consumer protection watchdog is ready to take up the cudgels on their behalf. India’s Central Consumer Protection Authority plans to collaborate with the Real Estate Regulatory Authority to help homebuyers file complaints, seek compensation, and address unfair contracts with developers, according to two officials familiar with CCPA’s plans. Under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019, the regulator can file complaints on behalf of affected consumers or take action to collectively safeguard their rights by pursuing class action to address widespread consumer grievances.. CCPA also has the authority to allow a director-general, an authorized officer, or a district collector to investigate cases involving violations of consumer rights, unfair trade practices, and false or misleading But the Consumer Protection Act 2019 under which CCPA was established allows it to only impose penalties of up to ₹50 lakh for violations of consumer rights—which may not be enough of a deterrent for violators. Consumer rights advocacy experts, however, hope the CCPA’s plans to wade into the real estate sector will help safeguard consumer rights better. “CCPA’s decision to actively address issues faced by homebuyers is a critical step toward fostering a more transparent and accountable real estate sector," said Ashim Sanyal, chief executive of Consumer Voice.