Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directs Post Office to pay Rs 40,000 in compensation

Parcel found torn and contents missing

Ferozepur (Punjab): In a case involving a parcel that was found torn and with its contents missing, the Ferozepur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission directed the Postal Department to pay the concerned consumer Rs 40,000 in compensation. This includes Rs 35,360, representing the value of the missing garments, and Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs.

The Commission observed that damage to a parcel constitutes a serious deficiency in service. It further held that it could not be denied that the complainant had suffered mental distress as a result. Therefore, the Postal Department was liable to compensate the complainant for the mental anguish suffered and the litigation costs.

What happened?

The complainant stated that his son had sent a parcel from the Ferozepur Cantonment Head Post Office to the Bidar Post Office. At the time of dispatch, the parcel weighed 17.2 kg and contained garments worth Rs 35,360. However, when it reached the Bidar Post Office, it was found in a torn condition, and its weight had reduced to 8.39 kg. Consequently, the intended recipient refused to accept it.

The complainant alleged that, despite repeatedly approaching the Postal Department to trace the missing items and seek compensation, no effective action was taken. The complainant had sought reimbursement of the value of the missing garments, Rs 100,000 as compensation for mental anguish, and litigation costs.