Presented by Smt. Anjali Behera, Member.

Brief facts:-

The Complainant/Petitioner participated in a contest “Dal Toh Karo” aired by E-24 TV channel on 3^rd October-2011. Where in the participants have to answer question to win some rewards and by answering the question of the above mentioned day. Complainant declared winner of Rs.10,000/-(Rupees ten thousand)only by the Program Organizers. Accordingly he was contacted by the Organizers to furnish some documents to get the said reward which the applicant did spending money. But later on got no hearing from the organizer and the alleges cheating and harassment against the Opposite Party. He also expressed that he lost money in the process which should be compensated apart from getting the award sum. He alleges unfair trade practices against the channel owner and Organizers of the program.

He relies on copies of document's provided to him to be furnished to get the reward.

OP got noticed as per procedure but did not appeared and get ex-parte (after confirmation of valid sufficient notice to the Opposite Party) on Dt.20/11/2013.

Ex-parte hearing done on Dt.28/01/2014. Complainant present personally and argued his case explaining every thing in great details.

Heard the Complainant and carefully considered the documents provided. To verify the statement of the Complainant Forum checked the Dail Toh Karo website on line and it is found that his name is in the winners list winning Rs.10,000/-(Rupees ten thousand)only.

Finding:-

The Complaint well is within the purview of the Consumer Laws also fulfilled other criteria for decision on the issues.

From the documents and hearing of the matter it is understood that people are allured to announcement of programs for popularizing TV Channels and program in the name of contests but most of the time the winners are either neglected, no winnings delivered and they are not heard and this is or serious unfair trade practice going on harassing public monetarily mentally and emotionally. Hence the Opposite Parties are liable of unfair trade services and playing with people sentiment.

Forum orders that:-

1. The Opposite Parties will pay the Complainant Rs.20,000/-(Rupees twenty thousand)only double of his winning amount along with another Rs.5,000/-(Rupees five thousand)only for litigation costs and harassment within one month of this order, failing which the awarded amount carries an interest of 12%(twelve percent) per annum till the final realization.

2. The Opposite Party is charged with unfair trade service and hence will pay Rs.1,00,000/-(Rupees one lakh)only as fine which can be deposited in the account of Consumer Welfare Fund, Odisha through treasury channel within one month of this order and carries 12%(twelve percent) interest till final payment.

3. Complainant is free to start criminal proceeding for the criminal liabilities against the Opposite Party if wishes.

    

   Disposed accordingly.

Typed to my dictation

and corrected by me.

            I agree,                                                                             I agree,                                                           I agree,                                        (Smt. Anjali Behera)                                                      (Sri Pradeep Kumar Dash)                              ( Miss Rajlaxmi Pattnayak)

          M e m b e r                                                                      M e m b e r.                                                    P r e s i d e n t.