DILIP KUMAR DE Vs. UNIT TRUST OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal, under Sec.15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is directed against the order dated 15.7.1999 in Complaint No.207/1997 by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Bilaspur (hereinafter called the 'district Forum' for short) dismissing the complaint of the complainant/appellant.

(2.) The facts not in dispute stated in brief are that the complainant/appellant obtained membership on 18.7.1986 of respondent's scheme known as 'unit Linked Insurance Plan, 1971' (hereinafter called as 'ulip' for short ). The complainant's membership No. was 32005305. The target amount as stipulated between the parties was Rs.30,000/- and half yearly contribution of Rs.1,500/- was payable by the complainant/appellant. The last instalment was payable on 10.1.1996 and the policy was to mature on 18.7.1996. It is also not in dispute that when the complainant obtained the membership as above, he was posted at Asansol, West Bengal. He was subsequently transferred and posted at Gevra Project, District Bilaspur in the year 1991. The complainant had duly intimated the respondent his address of Gevra road and sent his last half-yearly contribution from Gevra Project, District Bilaspur.

(3.) The complainant averred that the maturity amount under the said scheme was payable to him on 18.7.1996. However, since he did not receive the same, he wrote to the respondent by letter dated 18.11.1996. The respondent intimated the complainant/appellant that the maturity amount of Rs.60,821.95 was sent to him by cheques dated 18.7.1996. In further correspondence exchanged between the parties, the respondent intimated the complainant/appellant that the said cheques sent to him were encashed through Bank of India, New Town (Islampur), Siliguri on 6.9.1996. The complainant on inquiry was told by the Post Master, Gevra that the registered letter containing the cheques, as above, has not been received. The complainant, therefore, alleged deficiency in service by the respondent-Unit Trust of India and claimed that the maturity amount of Rs.60,821.95 p. along with interest thereon and damages be paid to him.