Delhi

New Delhi

CC/534/2013

Suresh Chand - Complainant(s)

Versus

M/S. State Bank of India - Opp.Party(s)

07 Jul 2015

ORDER

CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM-VI

(DISTT. NEW DELHI), ‘M’ BLOCK, 1^STFLOOR,

VIKAS BHAWAN, I.P.ESTATE,

NEW DELHI-110002.

 

Case No.CC/534/13                                                                                                                                                                               Dated:

In the matter of:

 

SHRI SURESH CHAND,

WZ-35, MAIN ROAD,

PALAM COLONY,

 NEW DELHI-110045

                   ……..COMPLAINANT

         

VERSUS

1          STATE  BANK OF INDIA

SANSAD MARG,

NEW DELHI-110001

 

2.       (THROUGH MANAGER)

BRANCH OFFICE,

MAHAEER ENCLAVE, (CODE No.11564),

NEW DELHI-45

 

………. OPPOSITE PARTIES

 

 

 

ORDER  [ ORAL]

Date of Arguments :07.07.2015

MEMBER:  RITU GARODIA

 

Present : Complainant in person and OP counsel.

Argument heard.

 

The short facts of alleged deficiency are that complainant had an account in SBI, Palam, New Delhi.  His wife suffered from a sudden fall from stair case resulting in broken teeth on 22.5.2013 and Rs.60,000/- was required immediately to make the payment towards doctor’s fee.  The complainant rushed to the bank to withdraw money for his wife’s treatment but his branch was closed.  The complainant thereafter went to SBI Mahavir Enclave for encashment of cheque but was denied on the grounds of cheque being old.

OP in its version has stated that old cheque could only be utilized in home branch and non-home branch can only encash newly issued cheques.

We have given due consideration to arguments by both the parties, the banks are established for purpose of providing utilitarian services to the general public.  OP being a nationalized bank was under a duty to take humanitarian approach to the whole situation.  OP had discretionary powers to encash the cheque, explain the situation to the unfortunate person who wanted to withdraw his own hard money towards the treatment of his wife.  OP by turning away the hapless consumer in time of need has shown a patronizing and cavalier attitude towards ordinary person’s plight.

We, therefore, hold OP guilty of imperfection in service and direct it to pay Rs.10,000/- as  compensation for severe harassment and mental trauma caused to consumer due to non humane and passive attitude of nationalized bank to general public.

The payment be made within 30 days of the receipt of the copy of the order; otherwise action will be taken under Section 25 / 27 of the Consumer Protection Act.

File be consigned to record room.

Copy of the order be sent to the parties free of cost.

        Pronounced in open Court on 07.07.2015.

 

 

(C.K.CHATURVEDI)

PRESIDENT

 

 

(RITU GARODIA)

MEMBER