MAPUSA
In a significant development, the Principal District Court at Panaji has issued an arrest warrant against Venkatesh Prabhu Moni, a beleaguered builder, for failing to adhere to the directives set forth by the Goa Real Estate Regulatory Authority (GRERA).
Moni, who stands as the judgment debtor in the case, faces detention in a civil prison for a duration of three months.
The court's decision comes in response to Moni's non-compliance with the GRERA court order mandating rectification of defects in 'Prabhu Chambers', a commercial building constructed by the developer in Mapusa. Decree holders, who are also the complainants in this case, informed the court about Moni's failure to fulfil the GRERA's directives.
The legal battle stems from grievances raised by decree holders who had purchased office space and shops in 'Prabhu Chambers', initiated for construction in 2012. However, Moni's failure to deliver possession of the units prompted the complainants to lodge their initial complaint with the GRERA in November 2019.
GRERA, through its judgments on March 17, 2022, and November 30, 2022, instructed Moni to pay interest and compensation amounting to approximately Rs 9 crore to the unit holders. Moreover, the regulatory authority directed the builder to rectify all building defects and transfer lawful possession of the units to the decree holders within the stipulated timeframe.
The complainants highlighted several pending works, including water abetment in the basement, operationalising the lift, removal of a kiosk, and obtaining a Fire NOC for the building, crucial for acquiring an occupancy certificate.
They emphasised that Moni had failed to comply with GRERA's directives aimed at completing essential facilities, supplies, and connections, and maintaining quality of work as per the sale agreement.
Principal District Judge Sherin Paul, in issuing the arrest warrant against the builder, emphasised the absence of a need for further notice to the judgment debtor, Prabhu Moni, as he had been afforded ample time to comply with GRERA's orders, yet failed to do so.
