M/S BHANDARI CONSTRUCTION COMPANY vs NARAYAN GOPAL UPADHYE

The Supreme Court upheld the decision of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, emphasizing that the essence of a contract lies in the performance of payment obligations as stipulated in the agreement dated 8.7.1997. The Court noted that the respondent's failure to pay the remaining balance of Rs.3,41,190/- resulted in the non-completion of the sale transaction, thus justifying the company's refusal to hand over possession. The Court concluded that the respondent was not entitled to compensation or possession due to non-fulfillment of contractual obligations under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.