SUPERINTENDENT OF POST OFFICES Vs. KISHOREPUR VILLAGE COMMITTEE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE superintendent of Post Offices, Mayurbhanj Division has filed this appeal challenging the order of the District Forum directing him to pay to the respondents, the maturity value (total amount of Rs. 24,000/ -) of three Kisan Vikas Patras (in short KVPS ) and pay interest at the rate 12 percent per annum from the date of maturity of KVPS and compensation of Rs. 1,000/ - along with cost of Rs. 500/ -.

(2.) THE respondents filed the complaint alleging deficiency in postal service on the part of the appellant. Their case is that they are respectively President and Secretary of Kishorepur Village Committee. They purchased three KVPS of different denominations from Betnoti Post Office in the name of the Village Committee (the total value of 3 KVPs was Rs. 12,000/ -). All the three KVPs matured on 11.3.2002. Accordingly they presented those three matured KVPs at Betnoti Post Office to get back the maturity value of Rs. 24,000/ -. The Post Master did not honour the certificates on the plea that the certificates were issued contrary to standing circular dated 9.10.1995 of the Ministry of Communication.

(3.) LEARNED Counsle for the appellant contended that the complaint filed by the respondents is not maintainable, as the SAS agent from whom the KVPs were purchased was not made a party.