IN THE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL COMMISSION, KOTTAYAM

Dated this the 14th  day of  December,  2023

Present:  Sri.Manulal.V.S, President

           Smt.Bindhu.R, Member

          Sri.K.M.Anto, Member

CC No. 212/2023 (Filed on 06/07/2023)

                                                               Complainant                               :     Meena Sukumaran,

                                                                                                                         Nellickal House,

                                                                                                                         Thodanal P.O,

                                                                                                                         Kozhuvanal,                                                          

                                                                                                                         Kottayam – 686 573.                                                

                                                                                                                  Vs.

                                                                Opposite party                           :     The Managing Director,

                                                                                                                         RAMCO Cements Limited,

                                                                                                                         Corporate Centre, Vth Floor,

                                                                                                                         98A, Mylapore,

                                                                                                                         Chennai – 600 004.                                                  

                                                                                    O R D E R

Sri. K.M. Anto, Member

The complaint is filed under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act 2019.

The Kozhuvanal Panchayath allotted a house to the complainant under the life project. The concrete work of the house was completed on 6th April, but rain water is leaking into the house. The complaint was informed to the dealer of the opposite party, but they declined to take any steps to sort out the problem. It is clear that the leakage of the concrete is due to the defect of the cement manufactured by the opposite party. The act of the opposite party is deficiency in service  and  unfair  trade  practice. This  complaint is  filed  for  getting for Rs,1,00,000/- for rectifying the defects of the house along with compensation of Rs.1,50,000/- for the hardships and cost for this litigation.

On admission of the complaint, copy of the complaint was forwarded to the opposite party. As per the track record, the copy of the complaint was delivered to the opposite party on 04/08/2023, but the opposite party failed to file their version or to appear before the Commission to defend their case till 13/10/2023. The opposite party was set exparte.

The complainant filed proof affidavit and marked Ext A1.On the basis of the complaint and evidence on record we would like to consider the following points :

(1) Weather there is deficiency in service or unfair trade practice on the part of the opposite party ?

(2) If so, what are the reliefs and costs?

For the sake of convenience, we would like to consider point number 1 and 2 together

POINTS 1 & 2 :-

On going through the complaint and evidence adduced, it is clear from Ext.A1 that the complainant had purchased 100 bags of RB Ramco Super Grade BOPP cement for an amount of Rs.36,500/- on 04/04/2023.The concrete work of house was done on 06/04/2023. There are defects in the concrete and  rain water is leaking into the house.

 The opposite parties failed to appear before the commission or to file their version. In the absence of any contrary evidence, we are inclined to accept the contention of the complainant that the leakage of rain water into the house of the complainant after the concrete work is due to the manufacturing defect of the Cement, which is manufactured by the opposite party.

This act of the opposite party in supplying defective cement to the complainant for the concrete work of the house is unfair trade practice on their part. It is also evident that the opposite party failed to redress the grievance of the complainant after intimation to the dealer of the opposite party, which amounts to deficiency in their service as per Consumer Protection Act 2019.

On the basis of the above facts, we are of the view that the complaint is to be allowed. The complaint is  allowed and pass the following orders.

1 The opposite party is directed to give Rs.25,000/- (Rupees Twenty Five Thousand only) for rectifying the defects of the house with 9% interest from the date of filing this complaint till realisation.

2 The opposite party is directed to give Rs.10,000/- (Rupees Ten Thousand only)  as compensation for the mental agony and hardships of the complainant.

The order shall be complied within 30 days from the date of receipt of  copy of this order, if not complied as directed, the compensation amount shall carry 9% interest from the date of order till realisation.

Pronounced in the Open Commission on this the 14th  day of  December, 2023

         Sri.K.M.Anto,  Member           Sd/-

        Sri.Manulal.V.S,  President      Sd/-   

        Smt.Bindhu.R,  Member          Sd/-   

APPENDIX :

Exhibit from the side of the Complainant :

A1   -   Copy of Tax Invoice No.B64/23-24 dated  04/04/2023

            for Rs.36,500/- of  Poozhikalayil Agencies, Kidangoor,

            Kotayam

Exhibit from the side of Opposite party :

Nil

                                                                                  By Order,

                                                                                       Sd/-

                                                                         Assistant  Registrar