DDA's cancellation of plot allotments to be probed

Peeved over the cancellation of plot allotment to people by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) for non-payment of final demands made through letters, the State Consumer Commission has recommended an inquiry into all such cases during the last 10 years.

The Commission took strong exception on the DDA terminating allotments on the ground that people failed to pay for final demand of the plots made through letters, while not bothering to ensure whether they actually received the communications or not.

"We recommend a disciplinary action against the officer, who had cancelled the allotment without ensuring the service of demand-cum-allotment letter (to the complainant in the present case) and make inquiry into all such cancellation of allotments at least during the last ten years," Commissions President Justice J D Kapoor said in a recent decision.

Taking note of a spurt in such complaints, he said, "The impression gathered by us because of large number of such cancellations by the DDA officials is that there is some racket operating in the organisation."

A final demand-cum-allotment letter vests a "very significant and precious right" upon a consumer and so is required to be served personally upon him through a registered mail before deciding to cancel the allotment, Commission said.

"The valuable right of a consumer to have a shelter cannot be abridged and should not have been abridged or incised in such a cavalier and ruthless manner", it said, asking the DDA to provide a plot to J L Arora, whose allotment was cancelled in 2004 on this "frivolous ground".