More than 1,100 families have been left in the lurch in Ahmedabad following a dispute involving Godrej Properties and Shree Siddhi Group, reportedly partners in a construction project.
Homebuyers had paid between Rs 15 lakh and Rs 25 lakh for Godrej Celeste in Gota.
According to reports, construction had reached up to three floors. A section of the media, attributing Godrej officials, claimed that the initial work was unsatisfactory and the floors had to be demolished.
The buyers were informed through an email that construction had to be stopped.
The three floors built between 2022 and 2023 were demolished in March 2025. Godrej officials reportedly stated that the floors would be rebuilt using advanced technology.
It’s also reported that the promoters justified the delay, saying that the labourers were on leave for festivals.
It’s learnt that the project work has been completely stopped since October 2023.
When Godrej Celeste was launched in August 2022, investors were assured of premium housing with completion by December 2025. Even online promotion of the scheme had mentioned that possession of the flats would be given by the end of the year.
Passing the buck
Meanwhile, Godrej Properties Limited has reportedly claimed that the entire responsibility for construction and development of the Celeste project lies with the Shree Siddhi Group.
Since the inception of the project, this group has had control over all bank accounts and the amounts collected from customers, a newspaper report further mentioned.
Now, it’s alleged that Shree Siddhi Group has not provided refunds to investors.
It has emerged that the average investment per family has been Rs 20 lakh, with a total of Rs 233 crore currently stuck.
According to the report submitted to RERA, initially 48 per cent of the work was shown as completed, but until now only 13 per cent is done.
Investors fear that the project may end up like some other schemes in GIFT City.
Shree Siddhi Group director Mukesh Patel has reportedly assured that work will start soon.
The news report has quoted retired IAS and RERA member MA Gandhi saying that a complaint has been received regarding the Godrej Celeste scheme, and notices were issued to both Godrej and the Shree Siddhi Group.
It’s also alleged that despite receiving the notices, there has been inaction on their part.
The case is reportedly being heard in court, and legal action is expected soon.
The newspaper quoted an investor saying that Godrej had launched a scheme promising 7.5 per cent interest on excess payments. He also said that he had invested Rs 25 lakh in this scheme, while some had invested Rs 30 to 35 lakh.
Another investor was quoted saying that when the scheme started in 2022, discounts were being offered, and he booked a 3 BHK for Rs 55 lakh.
It’s understood that Godrej has made an official request to RERA to hand over the project to them so construction can be completed quickly.
For now, investors are disillusioned that they are paying installments for flats that perhaps don’t even exist.
Also Read: Godrej Properties Sells Over 1 Million Sq Ft At Opening Of ‘Celeste’ Phase https://www.vibesofindia.com/godrej-properties-sells-over-1-million-sq-ft-at-opening-of-celeste-phase/
