Madurai
The Circuit Bench of the Tamil Nadu State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission here enhanced the compensation amount payable to an agriculturalist whose original vehicle registration certificate was not returned by a bank, despite him clearing the loan amount.
The Commission, comprising members N. Rajasekar and S. M. Murugesshan. directed Canara Bank, Paramakudi, to pay a compensation of ₹ two lakh for deficiency of service and mental agony suffered by the complainant and also imposed a cost of ₹5000.
It was hearing the appeals preferred by both the complainant and the bank. The complainant, E. Karuppiah, had appealed against the relief of ₹15,000 granted by the district forum. He sought enhancement of the compensation, while the bank appealed against the relief.
Mr. Karuppiah said that in 2000 he had borrowed ₹2.70 lakh for purchasing a tractor from Canara Bank, by depositing title deeds of his land.
When he finally repaid the entire amount, he was informed by the bank that the original vehicle registration certificate and insurance policy of the vehicle could not be found. This amounted to deficiency in service, he said.
Representing the complainant, Advocate P. Abdullah said that despite his client clearing the loan amount, the bank had failed to return the original document. Taking into account the submission, the Commission allowed the appeal for enhancement of compensation.
It dismissed the bank’s appeal, saying that it was devoid of merit. The Commission ordered compliance of the order within one month.
