There are about 40,000 such defaulters in various DDA colonies spread across the city. Till March 31, the earlier deadline, about 20,000 more had settled their dues.

The allottees had delayed payment pleading that the price of flats had gone up seven times since they were constructed in 1979. The monthly installments had also multiplied by a similar amount. In some cases, the dues were more than the original amount. Besides, in most cases, the flats were handed over to the applicants over 10 years after allotment.

In 1998, the DDA announced that they would waive 75 per cent of the penalty if the defaulters cleared their dues -- principal and interest -- before March 31. Many responded after taking loans from banks. Now, following overwhelming response from the Apex Association of DDA Colonies, the DDA decided to extend the deadline.