SUPERINTENDENT, SUB-POST OFFICE Vs. MADANCHANDRA GUPTA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal assails the order dated 18.12.2009 passed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Rewa in C.C. No. 224/ 2008 whereby for non -delivery of a postal article, the District Forum has directed to refund charged Rs.25 and has awarded compensation for mental agony a sum of Rs.25,000. A sum of Rs.1,000 has been awarded as costs and the judgment directs that if within 30 days amount is not paid, 8% p.a. interest would be chargeable.

(2.) IN short, the facts of the case are that on 16.10.2007 a speed post envelope containing two drafts of the value of Rs.1,60,000 were entrusted to the post office speed post. This envelope was not delivered and when enquiry was made, it revealed that the envelope was not sent at all and it was returned to the sender on 31.10.2007. It was in this backdrop that the claim for compensation was made.

(3.) THE Post office has denied any liability for non -delivery of the postal article and referred to the exemption granted by Section 6 of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898 and Rule 66B of the Post Office Speed Post Rules.