Chandigarh: HC notice on contempt plea from Zirakpur society

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has issued a notice on a contempt plea filed by residents of the Sushma Valencia housing complex in Zirakpur. The petitioners argue that the developer’s decision to abandon the project in March has left them dependent on diesel generators for electricity, forcing each household to spend up to ₹45 per unit.

The society’s legal representative submitted the contempt petition, alleging that the developer’s non‑compliance with the agreed‑upon timeline amounts to a willful disregard of contractual obligations. By abandoning the infrastructure work, the developer left the complex without a reliable power supply, prompting residents to arrange their own generation arrangements.

In its notice, the High Court asked the developer and the relevant municipal authorities to respond within a stipulated period. The court’s order underscores its role in ensuring that civic amenities are not compromised by private sector inaction. While the judgment does not impose penalties at this stage, it signals judicial scrutiny of the developer’s conduct.

Residents have described the situation as a daily financial burden. With the generator running on diesel, they face fluctuating costs that can quickly add up, especially during prolonged power outages. The financial strain is compounded by the lack of any official support from the developer, who has not provided any alternative arrangements or compensation.

The High Court’s notice also references the broader implications for urban development in the region. Zirakpur, a rapidly growing suburb of Chandigarh, has seen several housing projects encounter delays and incomplete infrastructure. The court’s intervention may serve as a precedent for similar cases where private contractors fail to deliver on promised services.

Legal experts note that contempt petitions in the High Court typically seek to compel the party responsible for the breach to fulfill its obligations or face further punitive measures. The present case, however, focuses on the immediate hardship faced by the residents rather than on punitive actions against the developer.

The developer has not publicly responded to the notice. Attempts to reach the company’s spokesperson through the contact details listed in the original project agreement were unsuccessful. The absence of a response leaves the residents in a state of uncertainty as they continue to rely on diesel generators for their electricity needs.

Municipal officials from the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation have acknowledged the issue but refrained from commenting on the specifics of the litigation. They indicated that the corporation is monitoring the situation and will coordinate with the High Court as necessary.

The Sushma Valencia complex, originally marketed as a fully equipped residential community, now operates with a patchwork of temporary solutions. Apart from the diesel generators, some households have resorted to connecting to nearby grid lines, though these connections are sporadic and often insufficient.

The High Court’s notice sets a timeline for the developer to submit a detailed plan for completing the pending infrastructure work. It also requests a status report on the power arrangements currently in place for the residents. This procedural step is intended to ensure transparency and to provide the court with a clear picture of the ground reality.

While the immediate focus remains on the financial impact on the residents, the broader context involves the reliability of private developers in delivering on contractual promises. The High Court’s intervention may encourage other societies facing similar challenges to seek judicial redress.

As the case progresses, the residents of Sushma Valencia await a resolution that could restore regular electricity supply and alleviate the extra financial burden they have been forced to bear since March. The High Court’s notice marks a significant step in addressing the grievances of a community that feels abandoned by its original developer.

Source: Hindustan Times