14 years on, Gurgaon homebuyers mark I-Day on vacant plot as they await flats

File photo

On an empty plot in Sector 91, Gurgaon, surrounded by 15 imposing high-rises — some completed, others still under construction, families who booked flats in 2011 marked Independence Day on Friday by hoisting the Tricolour, still waiting for their homes 14 years later, according to The Indian Express. The Fernhill Group Housing Project, near Manesar, remains incomplete despite the 600 families having booked their flats in 2011.

Retired Air Vice Marshal SS Chauhan, who attended the event, was quoted by The Indian Express as saying that he wanted to move here after his previous home in Sushant Lok 1 became surrounded on three sides by four-storey buildings by 2017, blocking air and sunlight.

“Even till 2021, it was still not ready… it has been a long and painful struggle,” he tolf The Indian Express.

As per the report, the project is promoted by Ansal Properties & Infrastructure Ltd, and offered 712 flats, 28 villas, and nine shops. Over the years, the venture, however, has been mired in allegations of fraud and financial mismanagement, leaving buyers stranded without homes or refunds, members of the Flat Buyers’ Welfare Association claimed.

Buyers had collectively paid over Rs 274 crore under a tripartite Builder Buyer Agreement (BBA) involving them, Ansal, and then landowner Samyak Projects Private Limited, the report added.

In 2021, residents moved the National Company Law Tribunal. After appeals, insolvency proceedings are finally underway. A resolution plan, however, is pending approval.

Amidst cries of Jai Hind and Bharat Mata ki Jai, resolution professional J K Grover said the Department of Town and Country Planning has given approval to the new builder to resume construction at the site.

“The letter came three days ago. Within 15 days, we will give timelines as to when the remaining towers will be complete and flats handed over,” he was quoted by The Indian Express as saying.

As per the report, the construction of two of the towers are 95% complete, and are expected to be allotted first. Buyers have pursued multiple legal avenues over the years. Complaints have been lodged with the Enforcement Directorate (ED) under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC), and the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA).

“We trusted the system and paid our dues, but we are being punished for it,” Mahesh Jain, a buyer and chartered accountant, was quoted as saying.

Along with other buyers, he alleged that units were sold without necessary approvals, documents were withheld, and refund requests were denied — while legal remedies were blocked by arbitration clauses and manipulations in the agreement. Some buyers are skeptical still, the report added.

“Ramji ke vanvaas se zyada intazaar kia hain, kuch nahi hoga sab chor hain (We’ve waited longer than Lord Ram’s exile — nothing will come of this, they’re all thieves),” an elderly man, who did not wish to be named, told The Indian express.

Meanwhile, for some residents, the flats had been booked by their parents who have since passed away. “My father passed away a year and a half ago. He had booked the flat in 2011. We’ve paid Rs 48 lakh so far, but couldn’t file our claim before the Tribunal in time. I hope we also get relief — and a home,” Manish Varma was quoted as saying.

Flat Buyers’ Welfare Association president Manish Abrol,54, expressed hope that by next year’s Independence Day, there would be song and dance performances by the children of families who have finally moved in.