REGIONAL PASSPORT OFFICER Vs. RAJESH BHATIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Dr. Rajesh Bhatia had been a resident of House No.1055, Sector 15, Chandigarh. He had been living in Canada as a Non-resident Indian. In June, 1993 he came to Chandigarh. An important purpose was renewal of his passport. When his application for renewal was pending, he deposited a sum of Rs.600/- specific charges for making an inquiry by means of a fax message. Dr. Rajesh Bhatia considered that this expense of Rs.600/- was uncalled for and he instituted a complaint. The Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Union Territory, Chandigarh ordered on 4.4.1996 refund of Rs.600/- together with interest @ 18% per annum. Aggrieved against it the present appeal has been preferred by the Regional Passport Officer.

(2.) We have examined the record of the District Forum, Chandigarh. The relevant lines from the affidavit of Shri Bhagat Ram, Regional Passport Officer, Chandigarh dated 16.2.1995 are reproduced as under:

(3.) "that para 3 of the affidavit is incorrect as stated. It is submitted that the petitioner was in a hurry to get his passport renewed and he voluntarily offered to pay Rs.600 /- as fax charges to get the necessary confirmation and accordingly he deposited. However, the petitioner was informed that he should collect his renewed passport on next day i. e.22.7.1993 and accordingly he received the passport duly renewed on 22.7.1993. It is totally false, frivolous and concocted to allege that he was ever asked to come after a week's time. Rest of the contents of para under reply are vague. "