The Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has recently imposed a substantial fine of ₹8 lakh on Prima Everlast Roof Makers, a Perumbavur-based firm, for their substandard truss roofing work. This significant ruling stems from a complaint filed by P.B. Deepanjali of Perumbavur, who encountered severe problems with her newly installed roof.
The issues began soon after the roofing project was completed on January 12, 2023, for which Deepanjali had paid ₹7.72 lakh. Upon the arrival of the monsoon season later that year, the roof quickly proved defective. Rainwater began penetrating through numerous holes in the roofing sheets, and the ‘naduthalam’ area suffered from improperly proportioned trusses on all four sides, intensifying the water leakage. Alleging a clear deficiency in service and negligence, the complainant brought her case before the Commission.
An Expert Commissioner, appointed by the panel, meticulously investigated the claims and confirmed the reported faults. The expert’s findings revealed 64 distinct leakage points and concluded that the pipes and sheets utilized were of inferior quality. The estimated expense for a complete re-roofing was calculated at ₹7.11 lakh, highlighting the extensive nature of the defects.
Prima Everlast Roof Makers conspicuously failed to appear or submit any defense to the Commission’s notice. This deliberate non-response was interpreted by the Commission as an admission of the allegations against them.
The Commission ultimately determined that the workmanship displayed systemic and structural flaws, which resulted in immediate and persistent leakage and damage during the monsoon. The company’s prior assertions of expertise and the noticeable absence of on-site supervision were found to be inconsistent with the poor quality of the completed work. Such performance was unequivocally deemed a clear deficiency in service. Moreover, the Commission noted elements of unfair trade practice, as the firm had evidently misrepresented its capabilities and the quality of its offerings, thereby influencing Deepanjali into the contract.
Consequently, the Commission has directed Prima Everlast Roof Makers to issue a full refund of ₹7.72 lakh to the complainant. In addition, the firm is mandated to pay ₹30,000 as compensation for the mental distress, inconvenience, and hardship endured due to their deficient service and unfair trade practice. An extra ₹10,000 was also awarded towards the cost of the legal proceedings.