POST MASTER MELUR POST OFFICE Vs. P RAJENDRAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The complainant is working as Audit Inspector in Hindu Religious Charitable Endowment Department. The complainant had desired to appear for the Group I Examination for which purpose, he purchased books to improve his knowledge and performances. On 28.5.1998 the complainant through the opposite party sent a sum of Rs.570/- as subscription for two years for the books to "pratiyogita Darpan", Agra, but the said books were not delivered to the complainant nor he received any acknowledgement for payment. Therefore, the complainant sent a complaint to the second opposite party. He issued a reply stating that inquiry is being made. Due to the non-delivery of the Money Order, the complainant was not able to get the books thus there is deficiency in service. Hence, this complaint.

(2.) The opposite party contended that the complaint is not maintainable. It is admitted that a Money Order was booked on 28.5.1998. The complainant informed on 8.8.1998 that the acknowledgement was not received. After receipt from the office of payment on 21.12.1998, sanction for issue duplicate money order to the payee was issued on 22.12.1998 and this amount was paid on 4.1.1999. As per Sec.48 of the Indian Post Office Act, the Postal Department is exempted from liability.

(3.) The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Tuticorin accepted the complaint and directed the opposite parties to refund the sum of Rs.570/- along with a sum of Rs.2,000/- as compensation and cost of Rs.250/-. Hence the present appeal.