SHRI SWAPAN KUMAR MAHANTY, PRESIDENT
The case of the complainant, in brief- is that she invested Rs. 24,017/- to the OPs against Certificate bearing No. 555000071338 on 23.02.2016. The maturity date of the Certificate is 23.08.2018, and onwards and its maturity value is Rs. 34,402/-. On maturity, the complainant vide legal notice dated 11.09.2019 requested the OP-1 to pay the matured amount of the certificate but the OPs deliberately avoid to pay the matured amount. The act of the OPs tantamount to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. Hence, the complainant approached the Commission by way of consumer complaint seeking payment of matured amount along with compensation and litigation cost.
OPs contested the complaint by filing WV wherein they have denied all the material allegations of the Complainant. The specific case of the OPs is that despite several request, the Complainant did not furnish original certificate and her KYC documents to make the process for disbursement of payment. There is no unfair trade practice and/or deficiency in service on the part of OPs. Complainant is not a consumer under the CP Act and the relationship between the Complainant and the OPs are Debitor and Creditor. Accordingly, the OPs have prayed for dismissal of the complaint.
In support of her case complainant Smt. Mita Devi has filed her E/chief in the form of affidavit. Despite given several opportunities, the OPs did not file any E/chief in support of their case.
Upon perusal of the Consumer Complaint coupled with evidence of the complainant including photocopy of certificate bearing No. 555000071338 dated 23.02.2016, we find that the complainant invested Rs. 24,017/- to the OPs. The maturity date of those certificates is 23.06.2018 and its maturity value is Rs. 34,402/-. Photocopy of legal notice dated 11.09.2019, goes to show that on maturity the complainant requested the OPs to pay the matured amount within 15 days from the date of receipt thereof. Despite request the OPs did not pay the matured amount of the said certificate. The OPs are fully aware that they are liable to pay the matured amount of the certificate to the complainant on its maturity. Complainant invested her hard earned money with the OPs. The OPs are deliberately to make illegal gains and to deprive the complainant from her lawful right. In fact, the OPs withhold the maturity amount which is no doubt deceitful manner of trade. There is no evidence on the part of the OPs to rebut the evidence of the complainant. OPs have failed to controvert the allegations of the complainant by filing E/chief. Thus, the allegations made in the complaint are deemed to have been admitted as correct. It is well settled that the allegations made in the complaint, if not denied is deemed to be admitted correct. The complainant in her affidavit did support the allegations in the complaint. Therefore, it cannot be said that the complainant has failed to prove deficiency in service.
The Consumer Protection Act, It is the benevolent piece of legislation to protect the consumers from exploitation. The spirit of the benevolent legislation cannot be overlooked and its object is not to be frustrated. The complainant has invested Rs. 24,017/- to the OPs against Golden KF with the hope to get Rs. 34,402/- as maturity amount. The act and conduct of the OPs is a clear case of deception, which resulted in the injury and loss of opportunity to the complainant. Had the complainant not invested her money with the OPs, she would have invested the same elsewhere. The complainant cannot be wait indefinitely to get the matured amount. The complainant has suffered mental agony and harassment. It is settled principle of law that the compensation should be commensurate with loss of suffered and it should be just, fair and reasonable and not arbitrary. To get the relief, the complainant has to wage a long drawn and tedious legal battle. In these circumstances, the complainant is entitled to refund the maturity amount of Golden KF along with compensation and litigation cost.
On the basis of the above directions, the consumer complaint is allowed ex parte against the OPs with the following directions -
- OPs are directed to pay matured amount of Rs. 34,402/- (Rupees thirty four thousand four hundred two) only to the complainant.
- OPs are further directed to pay Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) only as compensation to the complainant on account of mental and physical harassment.
- OPs are also directed to pay Rs. 2,000/- (Rupees two thousand) only towards litigation cost to the complainant.
The above directions be complied by the OPs within eight weeks from the date of this order.
Copy of the judgment be provided to the parties as mandated by the CP Act. The judgment be uploaded forthwith on the website of this commission for perusal of the parties.
