RAM SINGH Vs. PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Complainant has come up in appeal against the order dated 4th April, 1995 passed by learned District Forum, Jagadhri, whereby his complaint against the Punjab National Bank claiming compensation for the delayed crediting of the cheque in his favour, has been allowed by awarding him costs of Rs.1,000/-.

(2.) According to the complainant, he had received the cheque for Rs.10.000/- from the Haryana Financial Corporation and he deposited the same with the Punjab National Bank, which was onwards sent for collection on 14th June, 1991. However, the amount was not credited in his account for about 14 months and it was ultimately credited on 25th August, 1992. Since the amount had been released by Haryana Financial Corporation to the complainant for the purchase of scooter, he could not purchase the same in time and in the mean-time there was an increase in the price of the scooter thereby causing a loss of Rs.2,911/- to the complainant. In their reply, the Punjab National Bank pleaded that they had made all efforts to collect the amount from their collecting agent at Chandigarh and despite repeated reminders and telegrams it could be credited only after 14 months. On the basis of the aforesaid factual position proved on record, the complainant had claimed in appeal enhancement of compensation from Rs. l,000. /- already awarded by the District Forum. We find sufficient merit in the appeal as with the increase in price of the scooter, the complainant in fact suffered a loss of more than Rs.2,900/-. Accordingly, the appeal is allowed by enhancing the amount of compensation from Rs.1,000/- to Rs.2,000/-. The appellant shall also be entitled to the costs of this appeal, which are quantified as Rs.250/-.