SANDEEP BANSAL Vs. CORPORATION BANK

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Capt. Sandeep Bansal possessed a Savings Bank Account in Corporation Bank, Sector 8-C, Chandigarh. He had received a cheque dated 31.5.1994 in the sum of Rs.907.65 drawn on State Bank of India, Jorhat (Assam) and he passed on this cheque to the aforesaid local Bank but the amount was not collected and credited by the Corporation Bank in his Savings Bank Account. As a consequence of the complaint, the District Forum-II, Chandigarh, ordered on 27.1.1998 that a compensation of Rs.2,500/- shall be payable by Corporation Bank on account of deficiency. Aggrieved against it, the present appeal has been attempted.

(2.) The cheque in question was for Rs.907.65, it was dated 4.7.1994 and it was handed over to the local Corporation Bank on 4.7.1994. The responsibility of the local Bank was at the most to collect the aforesaid amount and to credit it to the local Savings Bank Account. The Chief Manager of Corporation Bank, Sector 8-C, Chandigarh, informed the appellant on 15.9.1995 that the cheque in question was sent to the State Bank of India, Jorhat (Assam) by registered post and despite several reminders there had been no response. The State Bank of India was not impleaded as a party. The Corporation Bank did send the cheque by registered post to State Bank of India, Jorhat and also issued reminders. This has not been controverted. The District Forum has awarded the compensation of Rs.2,500/- to the complainant whereas the total amount of cheque was Rs.907.65 and after the usual deduction it might have been reduced a little. The compensation of Rs.2,500/- awarded is already on higher side. There is no cross-appeal on behalf of the Corporation Bank. The plea raised on behalf of the appellant that the compensation awarded was low and it should be enhanced to Rs.20,000/- has no merit, the appeal is accordingly dismissed.