Haryana Urban Development Authority vs Shanti Devi

The Supreme Court held that interest at the rate of 18% per annum cannot be uniformly granted in consumer cases, emphasizing that compensation must correlate with actual loss or injury as established under the Consumer Protection Act. The Court set aside the National Commission's order that allowed such interest without considering the specific facts of each case, reiterating that consumer forums must assess deficiency in service or misfeasance in public office before awarding damages. The Court directed that the Respondent is entitled to possession of the allotted plot and any excess payment made should be addressed accordingly.