BABNEET SINGH Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In the present petition, prayer is for refunding the tuition fee, hostel fee, library fee, securities and other fees along with security cheques given at the time of admission to respondent No.3- college along with interest @ 18%. There is further prayer for direction to the respondents to return the original educational certificates and to award damages for the humiliation and harassment to the petitioner. The cheques, which were given for security be not misused as the petitioner had left the college in the beginning itself.

(2.) The case of the petitioner is that the petitioner cleared the PMET -2010 test held by respondent No.2 and got admission in BDS course with respondent No.3 in the Scheduled Caste category and deposited Rs.1.50 lacs for the course on 01.09.2010 (Annexure P-2). It is the case of the petitioner that he was asked to furnish bank guarantee and therefore, not adhering to the demand of the respondent-institute, he left the college without completing the course. Resultantly, he had approached the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum by filing a complaint. The complaint was partly allowed on 14.02.2012 (Annexure P-8) and directions were given to refund the security amount of college library and hostel along with interest @ 9% p.a. and return the original educational certificates. The payment of Rs.10,000/- as compensation for harassment and Rs.5,000/- towards litigation expenses were also ordered. However, appeal of respondent No.3 was allowed on 14.03.2014 by the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on account of maintainability whereas the cross appeal filed by the petitioner was dismissed. Thereafter, the present petition was filed for necessary relief.

(3.) Respondent No.3 has submitted that the petitioner had left the course in the middle of the session and as per Note 3, he was to pay the fee on annual basis and also to furnish a surety bond/bank guarantee that he would pay the balance fee for the whole course even if he leaves the institute/course midway course.