NATIONAL SEEDS CORPORATION Vs. RAM KUMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Appellant is a Government Public Sector Undertaking and is engaged in the sales of seeds presumably of high quality and largely for the benefits of farmers. It has been directed to pay Rs.35,000/- towards loss the respondent suffered who owns about 17 acres of agricultural land on account of poor quality of seeds supplied by the appellant vide order dated 2.5.2000 passed by the District Forum. Feeling aggrieved the appellant has preferred this appeal.

(2.) Admittedly the respondent purchased seeds from the appellant for muskmelon for a sum of Rs.3,375/- on the assurance shelled out by the appellant through advertisement that seeds sold by them are of very high quality. However, when the respondent sowed the seeds these did not properly germinate and develop. He made complaint to the appellant in this regard and one officer of the appellant visited the field of the respondent and found the claim of the respondent true and genuine.

(3.) Respondent had sowed these seeds in 17 acres of land by engaging cumbersome process of labour plantation, watering, fertilizer, ploughing of land and also gave rent @ Rs.6,000/- per acre. Though the respondents claimed compensation of Rs.4,20,000/- inclusive of the price of the above items and on account of market price of the crop, yet the District Forum awarded a sum of Rs.35,000/- only. It is not in dispute that the seeds sowed by the respondents were defective and on the report of the officer of the appellant, the appellant offered to refund the amount of Rs.3,375/- to the respondent.