BANK OF BARODA AND ORS Vs. SANKARI DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WE have heard learned counsel for both the parties and perused the entire record.

(2.) THIS appeal has been preferred against the judgment dated 16.3.2007 of the District Consumer Forum -I, Moradabad whereby the appellant Bank of Baroda, the successor bank of the erstwhile Bareilly Corporation Bank Ltd., was directed to pay to the respondent/complainant Smt. Sankari Devi interest @ 9% per annum on the P.F. amount of Rs.2,59,305, w.e.f. 1.1.1993 till the payment was received on 8.3.2004.

(3.) SRI Durga Singh, the husband of Smt. Sankari Devi had served Bareilly Corporation Bank Ltd. which was taken over by Bank of Baroda on 12.6.1999. He commenced his service on 4.5.1954 and retired on 30.9.1992. It is not disputed that his P.F. amount of Rs.2,59,305 had been received by Sri Durga Singh during his life time vide Bank of Baroda's cheque dated 12.2.2004. Sri Durga Singh died on 23.6.2004 and after his death his wife Smt. Sankari Devi filed her complaint with the allegation that there was an inordinate and unjustifiable delay on the part of the bank in releasing the amount of E.P.F. due to her husband and, therefore, the bank should be made to pay interest on the E.P.F. amount. The District Consumer Forum allowed the complaint of Smt. Sankari Devi and directed the Bank of Baroda to pay interest as indicated above.