SUB-POST MASTER Vs. E G SULOCHANA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Aggrieved by the order of the District Forum, Wayanad passed in O. P. No.153/1998 dated 9.2.2000, whereby the opposite parties/appellants herein were directed to pay the maturity value of four 'indira Vikas Patras' (IVPs) purchased by the complainant, this appeal has been preferred by the opposite parties.

(2.) The facts leading to the filing of this appeal briefly stated are as follows : complainant purchased four Indira Vikas Patras worth Rs.20,000/- on 23.9.1989; that the date of maturity was 23.9.1994; that the said Indira Vikas Patras were stolen, thus complaint was filed before the Kambolakkad Police on 23.11.1993, and that the same was reported to first opposite party. Police was not able to hook the culprit. Complainant reported the matter to 1st and 2nd opposite parties and claimed repayment of the maturity amount. Opposite Parties refused to make repayment. Consequently she filed the complaint before District Forum claiming maturity amount with interest and compensation of Rs.50,000/-.

(3.) Opposite Parties in their joint written version filed admitted that four Indira Vikas Patras were issued from Paramaram Post Office on 23.9.1989 and no one encashed the same till the date of filing complaint. They admitted that the complainant has informed them of the loss of IVPs on 27.11.1993. They contended that there is no deficiency in service on their part. As per Rules, they are liable to pay the maturity amount only on production of IVP's. There is no provision for replacement of a lost certificate and since the above IVPs have been lost from the custody of the complainant the opposite parties are in no way responsible for the alleged loss or mental agony. Complaint entails dismissal.