STANDARD CHARTERED BANK Vs. VIPIN KUMAR GUPTA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Learned Counsel for the revision petitioner argued that he was proceeded ex parte in the District Forum; that he was not given opportunity to contest the matter on merits before the District Forum and that the matter should be remanded back to the District Forum.

(2.) It is seen from the order of the District Forum that in response to notice, petitioner appeared and after taking 2 to 3 adjournments filed his reply. After that the petitioners did not attend any proceedings in the District Forum and, therefore, he was proceeded ex parte. In view of this finding in the District Forum, there is no merit in arguments made by the petitioner that he was not given an opportunity to present his case in the District Forum.

(3.) Written statement was considered and the case was decided on merits. It is seen that both the Fora have allowed the complaint with the direction to the petitioners to refund the amount of Rs. 1,64,407. The State Commission in its discretion enhanced the amount from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 25,000 after giving a reasoned order.