Man paid Rs 42.63 lakh for a new house, but cracks, leaks and seepage appeared; Court orders builder to pay Rs 25 lakh

A Kerala consumer commission has ordered a builder to pay Rs 25 lakh after finding serious defects in a residential house. The compensation includes Rs 20 lakh towards repair costs and damages, along with Rs 5 lakh for mental agony and inconvenience. The builder allegedly failed to use quality materials and complete the work as agreed. Expert inspections found substandard construction and several defects after possession. The commission held that the builder's failure amounted to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.