FINAL ORDER/JUDGEMENT
SHRI SWAPAN KUMAR MAHANTY, PRESIDENT
The facts, as stated in the complaint and emerged from the documents attached with it, are that the OP-1 is a financial institution, OPs 2, 3 and 4 are the Zonal Manager, Regional Manager and Branch Manager of OP-1 Company. Complainant invested Rs. 60,000/- to the OP-1 on 05.01.2013 and the OP-1 issued certificate bearing Nos. 562003964752 & 562003964753. The maturity date of those certificates is 05.01.2018. Despite maturity the OPs did not refund the invested amount. Demand Notice dated 23.06.2020 was sent to the OPs but the OPs deliberately avoid to pay the invested amount. Complainant further alleges that there is gross deficiency in service committed by the OPs.
In view of the gross deficiency in service and unfair trade practices of the OPs, the complainant has filed the consumer complaint seeking payment of matured amount along with compensation and litigation cost.
OPs contested the complaint by filing WV in which material facts of investment have not been denied. The complainant did not produce original certificates and KYC to the OPs for disbursement of payment. The complainant is not a “Consumer”, within the meaning of Consumer Protection Act, 2019, rather an investor and the complaint is not maintainable. There is no deficiency in service on the part of the OPs. In this context, it is pertinent to mention here that despite several opportunities given to the OPs they failed to file their E/chief supported by an affidavit.
Complainant has filed her evidence supporting the allegations made in the complaint petition. Complainant has also filed various documents and also have filed written argument. We have considered the argument of the Ld. Advocate for the complainant and examined the record.
It is not in dispute that the complainant invested Rs. 60,000/- to the OP 1 against certificate bearing Nos. 562003964752 & 562003964753 both dated 05.01.2013. The maturity date of those certificates is 05.01.2018. Despite several request and demand notice dated 23.06.2020, OPs did not pay the matured amount to the complainant. OPs are fully aware that they are liable to pay the matured amount to the complainant on its maturity. Complainant invested her hard earned money with the OP 1. The OPs are deliberate to make illegal gains and to deprive the complainant from her lawful right. In fact, OPs withhold the maturity amount which no doubt deceitful manner of trade.
OPs have not filed their E/chief supported by an affidavit to controvert the allegations in the complaint petition. On the contrary, they have admitted the facts of investment of the complainant to Sahara Q Shop in their WV. Plea of the OPs is that the complainant did not produce original certificates and KYC for disbursement of payment. Complainant in her affidavit did support the allegations made out in the complaint. Therefore, it cannot be said that complainant has failed to prove deficiency in service and unfair trade practice of the OPs. The act 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 to the OP 1, she would have invested the same elsewhere. Complainant cannot be wait indefinitely to get the matured amount. Complainant has suffered mental agony and harassment. It is settled principal 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 relief, complainant has to wage a long drawn and tedious legal battle. In these circumstances, the complainant is entitled to get the maturity amount of Sahara Q Shop along with compensation and litigation cost.
Based on the discussion above, the Consumer Case is allowed on contest against the OPs with the following directions:-
- OPs are directed to pay matured amount of Rs. 60,000/- (Rupees sixty thousand) only to the complainant.
- OPs are further directed to pay Rs. 25,000/- (Rupees twenty five thousand) only as compensation to the complainant on account of mental agony and physical harassment.
- OPs are also directed to pay Rs. 5,000/- (Rupees five thousand) only towards litigation cost to the complainant.
The above directions be complied by the OPs within a period of 90 days from today. For failure or omission in compliance within the stipulated period, the complainant shall be at liberty to put the order in execution as per CP Act.
Copy of the judgment be supplied to the parties as per rules. Upload the judgment on the website of this Commission for perusal of the parties.
