FIITJEE LTD Vs. PUNEET GARG

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The complainant took admission in a coaching institute, which the petitioner is running for preparing the candidates for JEE (Advance) paying a sum of Rs.2,34,777/- by way of a Demand Draft issued by State Bank of India, Barnala. After taking coaching for about one year, the complainant sought refund of the fee paid by him on proportionate basis. The request having been declined, he approached the concerned District Forum at Barnala seeking refund of the amount of Rs.1,17,380/- with compensation.

(2.) The complaint was resisted by the petitioner which took a preliminary objection that the District Forum at Barnala had no territorial jurisdiction to try the consumer complaint. On merits, the petitioner claimed that the complainant was not entitled to refund of any part of the fee which he had paid.

(3.) An application was filed by the petitioner interalia seeking dismissal of the consumer complaint on the ground that the District Forum at Barnala did not have the requisite territorial jurisdiction. The application was allowed by the District Forum and consequently the consumer complaint was dismissed.