Interesting and mind-boggling consumer complaint – Excess charge of Rs.0.50 ps by the Post office.
On 3.12.2023, the complainant booked the postal letter at the post office of the respondent. He was asked to pay amount of Rs.30/- in cash since digital payment will not work properly. Thus, the digital payment was not taken.
On payment of Rs.30/-, the receipt for Rs.29.50 ps was given.
In reply to the legal notice dated 13.12.2023 of the complainant, the Post Office informed that Rs.0.50/- was rounded to Rs.1.00 by its computer software. Even though the digital payment is made, it would not accept the amount of Rs.29.50 ps.
Thus, the Post office accepted that it had collected excess 50 pais because of the software. The rounded off amount would not be included in the registered post revenue but separately maintained in the accounts.
The complainant alleged that this is unfair and unscrupulous exploitation of the customers.
HELD that if the service provider has charged excess price fixed by law, it amounts to unfair trade practice under Section 2(6)(iv) and (47) of the Consumer Protection Act. The complaint was allowed for refund of Rs.0.50 ps, Rs.10,000/- compensation and Rs.5,000/- costs of the proceedings.
Judgment dated 11.9.2024 of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Kanchipuram in C.C.No.19/2024 of Manasha s/o. S. Anandan Vs. The Post Master Polichalur Post Office
