SITA DEVI vs BIHAR STATE HOUSING BOARD .

The Supreme Court ruled that under the Bihar State Housing Board Act, the appellant is entitled to a full refund of the amount deposited for a flat, along with interest at 18% per annum from the date of deposit until payment. The Court emphasized that the respondent's failure to construct the flat within a reasonable time constituted a breach of duty, and the deduction of 20% from the refund was unjustified. The Court held that public authorities must act fairly and cannot impose penalties on applicants for their own delays.