HDFC BANK Vs. PERMANENT LOK ADALAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner is HDFC Bank who is aggrieved by order annexure P-3 dated December 16, 2016 passed by Permanent Lok Adalat for Public Utility Services, Rupnagar, requiring the petitioner to pay a sum of Rs. 20000/- to respondent No.2 as compensation and Rs. 5000/- as litigation expenses.

(2.) Respondent No.2 had sought compensation for the unnecessary harassment caused to him on February 29, 2016. He along with his son Mukesh Kumar had gone to ATM of petitioner Bank as he was in urgent need of money on account of marriage of his sister's daughter regarding which an invitation card, annexure A-3, was proved before the Permanent Lok Adalat. Grievance of respondent No.2 was that ATM machine being defective, his card got struck and he was required to get it released by establishing his identity by voters card, ration card and two passport size photographs along with an application for release of the ATM Card. The said documents were produced. Respondent No.2 claimed that he himself had gone to the Bank for the release of ATM card which was handed over to him.

(3.) The stand of the petitioner Bank is that respondent No.2 having not personally visited the bank, the card was not handed over to his son.