Deficiency in service found where savings certificates were wrongly issued in a firm's name; consumer relief was upheld.

Postal Authorities were found deficient in service for issuing National Savings Certificates in the name of a firm instead of in the name of individuals as required by departmental instructions. Because the incorrect issuance was attributable to the department, the complainant was not to bear the loss arising from that lapse. The District Forum's treatment of the matter as deficiency in service and the monetary relief granted to the complainant were upheld.

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Issues: Whether the Postal Authorities were deficient in service in issuing National Savings Certificates in the name of a firm and whether the complainant was entitled to refund of the certificate amount with interest.

Analysis: The certificate entries had been made in the name of Shiv Swaroop Verma and Sons, contrary to the departmental instructions that such certificates were to be issued in the name of individuals. The incorrect issuance was attributable to the Postal Authorities, and the complainant was not to suffer for the departmental lapse. The District Forum had, therefore, correctly treated the matter as one of deficiency in service and granted the monetary relief.

Conclusion: The finding of deficiency in service was upheld and the relief granted to the complainant was sustained.

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