Paid full amount but did not sign lease agreement

A written agreement is always better to have to support one's case.

If you have the receipt of the payment of such amount you made to them, though, it would be really helpful to your case.

I believe you can file for Debt recovery in the appropriate forum, where they will have to pay you the debts either from their own funds or attachment of their property. (as per the decision of the forum)

However, if you don't have anything in written whatsoever, I'd suggest you to hire a capable legal counsel who can appropriately guide you through the process.

Dear Mr. Arjun Kohli

Thank you for your reply.  
I do have written receipt for payments made to Alternative Lifestyle Private Limited (Melur Meadows).
In addition, I have records of NEFT payments made through the bank.

In an email, a director had also promised that they will refund the money.
Now they are going back on that promise.
The directors are referring to clauses, such as 'lock-in period' in the written lease agreement that I DID NOT sign.
Their argument is, "Why did you pay for the lease?"

Can they rely on an agreement that was NEVER SIGNED?
Are they not liable to refund the amount that I paid, way back in January 2016?

Since this is about lease on a property (real estate), is it not mandatory to have a written agreement in place?
Where do I stand in Law?

I do not live in Coimbatore or in Tamil Nadu.
Can a lawyer take legal action for me in my absence?
How do I find a specialist lawyer?

Thank you

Job Chithalan
job_cf@yahoo.co.uk

First of all, in my opinion, the agreement not being signed will obviously lack the force it would have acquired if it was signed. However, it can still be used if the material terms and conditions have been acted upon by both parties in consistency with the said agreement. I believe even you might have to use the said agreement to establish the relationship between you and the company you're dealing with.

However, in my understanding, despite whatsoever arguments they put to you, if you wer every clear and straightforward in your terms with them while making the payments which form the subject matter of the dispute here, and the terms regarding the same were clear regarding the usage, repayment etc., and they have promised you in written (emails) as well, I think it is possible to get your money recovered. 

As to the representation, you can definitely hire a capable legal counsel who can represent you in the concerned matter with the execution of necessary documents like Vakalatnama, Sp PoA, etc. (depending upon the situational requirements)

Sir,

When I pointed out that I did not sign the agreement, they argued, "why did you pay the amount?".
I replied, "I had the intention, but for various reasons, I had to change my mind"
Does, myself having to change my mind, "form the subject matter of the dispute here"?
Is their agrument, legally valid agrument for not refunding my money?

Please give a direct answer to my original question,
"Since this is about lease on a property (real estate), is it not mandatory to have a written agreement in place?"

About your comment, "you might have to use the said agreement to establish the relationship between you and the company you're dealing with."
I have signed receipt for the 15.75 lacs, that I paid.
Would this not be much more valid than an UNSIGNED lease agreement?

Thank you

PS.

I would be most grateful if other lawyers could please weigh in with advice.

I am not in Coimbatore or in India, right now.
How can I find a lawyer in Coimbatore who can act for me?

Thank you in anticipation.