I’ve paid a 3.5 lakh advance to a builder for a commercial space worth 10 lakh. Despite repeated requests, he refuses to sign a registered agreement and demands full payment. What legal options do I have?

You can file a civil suit for specific performance, compelling the builder to execute the agreement. Alternatively, you can seek a refund of the advance with interest and damages for breach of contract. The court will consider your payment and the builder’s refusal to sign as evidence of a contract, even without a registered agreement.