CA Ramesh Agrawal In a recent decision, the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) has directed a builder to compensate a homebuyer with ₹65 lakh for an inordinate delay of over nine years in handing over a flat in Gurugram. Key Highlights: Background of the Case : The homebuyer had booked a flat in 2013, with the developer promising possession within a stipulated timeframe i.e., 7 th December 2015. However, the possession was delayed by more than nine years. Developer's Justifications : The builder attributed the delay to unforeseen circumstances, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the demise of the chairman of environmental impact assessment (EIA) committee, and inadequate water supply. H-RERA's Verdict : After reviewing the case, HRERA rejected the developer's justifications, deeming them insufficient to warrant such a prolonged delay. The authority emphasized that the reasons cited did not qualify as fo...