A Gurugram builder faces fines from Haryana RERA for using deceptive advertising.

Countrywide Promoters was fined Rs 50 lakh by Haryana RERA for using deceptive advertising. In accordance with the Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojna Affordable planned Housing Policy of 2016, Countrywide Promoters Private Limited is building the reasonably priced planned colony Green Oaks in Gurugram’s Sector 70A.

RERA officials state that the Authority sent a show-cause notice to the promoter requesting a response after taking serious notice of the advertisement that was published on March 2, 2024.

Countrywide Promoters Private Limited faces a fine of Rs 50 Lakh from the Gurugram court of the Haryana Real Estate Regulatory Authority (HRERA) for releasing a “misleading advertisement” regarding their real estate property, Green Oaks, in an English daily.

RERA officials state that the Authority sent a show-cause notice to the promoter requesting a response after taking serious notice of the advertisement that was published on March 2, 2024.

The Authority noted that the promoter failed to properly describe the details in the advertisement, which is a criminal offense, in violation of the mandatory regulations under Sections 11(2) and 13(1) of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016.

“It is undeniably true that the promoter, Countrywide Promoters Pvt Ltd, published a deceptive advertisement in an attempt to prevent potential allottees from making an informed decision. Thus, in accordance with Section 61 of the RERA Act of 2016, the Authority hereby levies a penalty of Rs 50 lakh,” the RERA decision stated.

The two-page advertisement features an image of a garden/park (Garden of Dreams) on one full page and a picture of a club on the other, “which is not part of the project,” according to the Authority.

“However, the remainder of the advertisement highlights features like a squash court, a cutting-edge club house, a covered pool and spa, an outdoor library, revitalizing sculpted rocks, a coffee lounge counter, and other amenities that are obviously not included in the project. All of it is deceptive,” the directive said.

Following its RERA registration in 2021, Countrywide Promoters Private Limited is building the affordable plotted community Green Oaks at Sector 70A in Gurugram in accordance with the Deen Dayal Jan Awas Yojna Affordable Plotted Housing Policy 2016.

It is quite evident that the promoter has released a deceptive advertisement for a DDJAY planned colony, using seductive imagery to give the impression that the project includes a clubhouse and other amenities that are not actually included in the project.The RERA order stated, “No specifics, information, or images of the project’s actual layout or site plan have been provided to enable the prospective allottee to decide upon investing in the project.”

Additionally, the promoter has not changed the registration information to reflect the updated layout as shown in the Authority’s record, which shows the layout design as approved in 2021. Furthermore mentioned are the fact that the project began in 2021 and that the layout plan was updated in 2023. Third party rights were created prior to the amended layout plan being approved by DTCP, as can be seen from the promoter’s Quarterly Progress Report that was submitted before the layout plan was revised. Before making such adjustments, the promoter must have the approval of at least two thirds of the allottees in accordance with Section 14(2)(ii), according to the order.