Sita Devi vs Bihar State Housing Board And Ors

The Supreme Court held that under the Bihar State Housing Board Act, the appellant is entitled to a full refund of the deposited amount along with interest at the rate of 18% per annum from the date of deposit, as the respondent failed to deliver possession of the flat within a reasonable time. The Court emphasized that the respondent's conduct in deducting 20% of the deposit was unjustified given the significant delay in construction. The Court ordered the respondent to refund the entire amount with interest, reinforcing the principle that public authorities must act fairly and transparently in their dealings.