26th Mar 2025

To,

Thiru. Shiv Das Meena, I.A.S.

Chairman - Tamil Nadu Real Estate Regulatory Authority (TNRERA) 

1A, 1st Floor, Gandhi Irwin Bridge Road

Egmore, Chennai - 600008

From,

Casagrand Utopia Owners Group

Manapakkam, Chennai – 600 125

Subject: Appeal Regarding Delay in Completion and Handover of Casagrand Utopia Project Registration No : TN/29/Building/0240/2020

Respected Sir,

We are writing to bring to your attention the significant delays and hardships faced by the buyers of Project Casagrand Utopia, located at Manapakkam, Chennai. The project was launched with high promises and expectations, and many buyers invested in it based on the builder’s commitments.

Project Utopia was launched in 2019 with a plan to build 5 towers, comprising 673 flats, divided into two phases. The initial completion deadline was set for May 6, 2023, with an additional 3-month grace period. Despite receiving extensions from RERA, Casagrand has still not delivered, and we have yet to receive possession of our properties.

Initial Handover dates: May 6, 2023 - Block 1, 2 & 3 and May 12, 2024 - Block 4 & 5

Extension 1: May 5, 2024 - Block 1, 2 & 3

Extension 2: Mar 31, 2025 - Block 1, 2, 3, 4, 5

The progress has been extremely slow, with the construction being at a snail's pace compared to what was promised. While the general payment terms and milestones were clearly outlined, it is clear that the handover date mentioned in the sale and construction agreements has shifted considerably beyond the initially promised date. Despite these delays, the builder has failed to meet the deadlines, leaving buyers in distress and uncertainty.

Due to the significant delays in the handover of properties, buyers have been facing immense hardships, including financial losses. We have been forced to pay rent for alternative accommodations and service home loan EMIs, which have led to a financial burden. In addition, the increase in registration rates, attributed directly to the delay caused by the builder, has further escalated the cost for buyers. 

As of today, very few key handovers have taken place, with a significant portion of the units in Phase 1 still incomplete. Notably, Cores J, K, and L belonging to Block 3 are still unfinished, and the amenities promised in the project specifications have either not been delivered or remain incomplete. The builder had committed to obtaining the Completion Certificate (CC) by the end of March, but the on-ground status does not reflect this commitment. This delay and the builder’s inability to fulfill promises are causing considerable distress to the buyers.

In 2023, due to Casagrand’s careless and casual approach, many owners who were ready to register were neglected and not given the attention they deserved. This resulted in significant financial losses for these owners due to the unprecedented increase in registration costs and the introduction of the composite value. This situation occurred purely because of the irresponsible handling of customer needs.

In light of the issues mentioned above, and given that we have not received a satisfactory response from the builder, we are seeking the assistance of the neutral government body dedicated to public welfare, Tamil Nadu RERA.

We respectfully request that the relevant authorities intervene and take the necessary actions to address the following demands of the owners:

Deployment of Additional Manpower: We request that the builder be directed to deploy additional manpower and resources to ensure that the remaining work, including the handover of all units in Core J, K, and L of Phase 1, as well as the completion of the remaining 273 units in Phase 2 by June 2025. Furthermore, we urge RERA to push the builder to commence the process of obtaining NOCs for these units as soon as possible.

Timeline & Delay compensation: If the above timeline is not feasible, we request an extension of no more than two to three months be granted to the builder. Additionally, we demand delay compensation in accordance with the RERA Act and Rules framed thereunder starting from June 2023 (Delay 20 Months) for Blocks 1, 2, and 3, and from June 2024 (Delay 10 Months) for Blocks 4 and 5. This compensation should continue until the complete project is duly handed over. This extension should allow the builder to complete the entire project, including the amenities, and provide a formal report of the completion of key handovers. Additionally, we request that the builders maintenance period of six months begin only after handing over both phases, which is 673 Flats + 80 Amenities.

Car Parking Slots: According to the RERA declaration, the builder is required to provide 10% (63 Slots) visitor car parking and 34 clubhouse car parking slots. However, the builder has kept us in the dark on this matter, and there has been no confirmation from them even after five years.

Registration Fee: As you are aware, the registration rates have increased drastically by 150%. We find ourselves in this situation solely due to the significant delays in this project. We demand that Casagrand compensate us for the increase in registration costs.

We trust that Tamil Nadu RERA will take the necessary steps to ensure the completion of this project in a timely and efficient manner, holding the builder accountable for the delays and hardships caused to the buyers. We kindly request that your esteemed office arrange a meeting with the top management of Casagrand to discuss the matter and establish a clear deadline for the completion and handover of the project, without further extensions or false promises.

Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to your prompt intervention and support.

Sincerely,

Casagrand Utopia Owners Group