Case Law Details
Pradeep Kumar And Another Vs Post Master General And Others (Supreme Court of India)
Facts- The appellants purchased Kisan Vikas Patras (KVP) the combined face value on maturity was INR 32.60 lakhs. In February, 2000, the appellants approached the Post Master, Head Post Office Chowk, Lucknow, requesting them to transfer the KVPs to the Chowk Post Office, Lucknow. The Post Master suggested that the transfer process being too cumbersome, the appellants could avail the services of one Rukhsana, an agent appointed by the State of Uttar Pradesh.
Accordingly, on 03.03.2000, the appellants signed original KVPs on the backside and handed over the same along with Monthly Income Scheme passbook, against which she provided a document confirming receipt of the KVPs.
In June, 2000, the appellant learned that Rukhsana had been arrested for cheating several investors. On enquiry, it was learnt that she had encashed the appellants’ KVPs and pocketed an amount of INR 25,54,000. Appellant also came to knew that the Sub-post master M. K. Singh was also working hand in gloves with Rukhsana.
The appellants filed a complaint under the Consumer Protection Act before the NCDRC seeking direction for payment of Rs. 25,54,000, interest @ 18% per annum along with compensation for mental agony, interest for the same and litigation expenses. The NCDRC allowed the complaint against Rukhsana and directed her to pay Rs. 25,54,000, interest @ 9% per annum along with compensation of Rs. 1,00,000 and Rs. 10,000 as litigation expenses. But, NCDRC found that there was no involvement of the officers of the post office who had been arrayed as respondents in the complaint before it.
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