**Resident Alleges Housing Society’s Non-Compliance Over Rs 3.09 Lakh Refund**
A 62-year-old resident of Metropolis CHS, Four Bungalows, Andheri (West), has raised concerns that his housing society has failed to comply with orders directing it to refund or adjust a pending amount of Rs 3.09 lakh in his favour.
**Complaint by Resident**
Ashwin Chaudhary, a cybersecurity professional and owner of flat C-101 in Metropolis CHS, filed a complaint alleging that despite orders issued in March this year, the society has neither refunded the money nor adjusted it against his monthly expenses such as maintenance charges, property tax, and utility bills.
**Background of the Case**
Citing a Bombay High Court order dated June 14, 2017, Chaudhary explained that the court had directed the society to refund amounts collected from members by the builder, HDIL.
Following this, the society issued him a credit note for Rs 3.63 lakh in August 2018 and then a cheque for Rs 3.09 lakh in January 2019. However, the cheque was dishonoured due to a signature mismatch.
Subsequently, the deputy registrar instructed the society to adjust the amount against Chaudhary’s pending dues.
**Allegations of Non-Compliance**
“Despite several reminders and repeated emails since 2021, the society has refused to comply. Instead, they blocked my family’s access to the gym, swimming pool, and other amenities, labelling me a defaulter,” Chaudhary alleged.
He further added that the society was ordered to credit his account and remove the 21% interest and GST charges that had been wrongly applied.
**Society’s Response**
When contacted, society chairman Kamal Duggar acknowledged the matter but stated that the society currently has no funds to pay Chaudhary or others.
He admitted that the issue dates back to 2017–18 when the society’s accounts were operated through Punjab and Maharashtra Cooperative (PMC) Bank, which later collapsed in 2020.
“Our society lost nearly Rs 15 crore in the PMC Bank crisis, including funds belonging to 161 members. Given the situation, the new administration decided to grant a rebate of Rs 1,500 per month on maintenance charges to affected members,” Duggar explained.
“Beyond that, we have no means to repay unless the bank releases the funds. We have also asked the authorities for guidance and are committed to abiding by their directions,” he added.
—
This ongoing dispute highlights the financial challenges faced by housing societies impacted by banking failures, and the difficulties members are encountering in securing rightful refunds.
https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/mumbai-news-andheri-resident-alleges-housing-society-failed-to-refund-309-lakh-despite-deputy-registrar-orders