- Complaint Against Settl Hyphen Living Fraudulent Electricity Billing Contract Breach Unsafe Living C ^Open

Vaishnavi Nalawade filed this complaint against Settl on Sep 09, 2025

Name of Complainant:
Vaishnavi Ajit Nalawade
Opposite Party:
M/s Clique Life Pvt. Ltd. (Settl / Hyphen Living)

Complaint Details
I have been a tenant at Settl Sprout Hostel (Room ***A) since May ****. The Opposite Party has committed multiple violations of contract and consumer rights, causing me severe financial loss, harassment, and mental trauma.

*. Fraudulent Electricity Billing
Electricity is billed via prepaid Qube smart meters.
Between ** May **** and * Sep ****, my total consumption was ***.** kWh.
I was forced to recharge ₹*,***, which means I was charged ₹**.** per unit, whereas BESCOM tariff is ₹*.**–₹*.** per unit.
The actual cost should have been ₹*,***, meaning I was overcharged ₹*,***.
Specific example: Between * Aug and ** Aug ****, I consumed **.** kWh but was charged ₹*,***, i.e. ₹**.** per unit, while BESCOM cost is only ₹***–₹***.


Additionally, every tenant is forced to pay ₹**/day = ₹***/month for “common area charges.” Our independent calculation shows the actual fair cost is only ₹**–₹*** per person/month. This is profiteering and illegal resale of electricity.

*. Breach of Contract & Unsafe Conditions
The agreement requires Settl to provide a safe, habitable, and hygienic living environment.
In reality, conditions are unsanitary and unsafe:


Cockroach infestation in both kitchen and room.
Garbage bin near my room emits constant foul smell.
Green algae in water filters, unsafe for health.
Frequent water shortage, forcing tenants to operate the motor themselves.
Housekeeping failures – garbage not cleared, unhygienic roommate’s side left unclean.


My room itself is a tiny, poorly ventilated unit, with a wall just outside the window, making it unsafe and unhealthy. Even my lawyer described it as “similar to a jail cell.”



*. Harassment & Intimidation
When I questioned the billing fraud, Settl staff threatened to withdraw services, instead of addressing my complaint.
I have WhatsApp evidence of these threats.
This is harassment and further breach of contract.



Legal Grounds
Consumer Protection Act, **** – Unfair Trade Practice (Sec. *(**)) & Deficiency of Service (Sec. *(**)).
Electricity Act, **** (Sec. **) – Illegal resale of electricity at inflated rates.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, **** (BNS):


Section *** – Cheating (dishonest inducement to pay more than lawful charges).
Section *** – Criminal Breach of Trust (misuse of funds entrusted for electricity).



Relief Sought
Refund of ₹*,*** excess electricity charges.
Refund of all rent paid since May **** due to breach of contract.
Refund of security deposit ₹**,*** in full.
Compensation of ₹*,**,*** for harassment, unsafe conditions, and mental trauma.
Direction to cease illegal resale of electricity and bill only at BESCOM rates.
Direction to maintain safe, hygienic, and habitable premises.

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