The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Ludhiana, Punjab, India, has mandated Hero Realty Private Limited to refund a total of ₹11,72,636 (approximately $14,000 USD) to Mukesh Gandhi, a resident of Malerkotla, after determining that the company engaged in unfair trade practices. Gandhi had purchased a 3 BHK apartment in a housing project located in Birmi village near Mullanpur Dakha, initially booking a 2.5 BHK unit in 2015 based on promises of premium specifications. However, during a site visit in December 2020, he discovered significant discrepancies, including lower ceiling heights and substandard fittings. The commission, led by President Priti Malhotra and member Mohinder Singh Brar, found that while Gandhi had defaulted on some payments, Hero Realty failed to refund his money after canceling the allotment in October 2018. The commission ordered the builder to pay ₹25,000 as compensation for mental harassment and ₹10,000 for litigation costs, with a compliance deadline of 45 days, after which interest penalties would apply.