Consumer court slaps Rs 10,000 fine on SBI

Chandigarh, October 28
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on the State Bank of India for mental agony and harassment suffered by former DGP Punjab Dr AA Siddiqui.
District forum comprising PD Goel and members Rajinder Singh Gill and Madanjit Kaur Sahota observed that undisputedly the opposite party has redressed the grievances of the complainant after filing of the complaint, therefore, the complainant is certainly entitled for compensation for mental agony.
The complainant averred that he had availed the services of the bank through primary credit card and duly paid the amount through cheque drawn on the SBI after the opposite party dispatched the bill for the services in May 2010. He said he was shocked to find the monthly statement, wherein the amount of Rs 5764.32 was reflected. He informed the bank about the irregularity and the primary Credit Card which was cut into half and returned the said card to the bank.
The bank also charged some financial charges and late fee of Rs.350. He tendered an amount of Rs 9934.85, which was debited, from his account on June 30, 2010. He said even though amount of Rs 5765 stood debited from his account he received a letter from the bank about the outstanding amount.
The counsel for the SBI admitted that cheque amount was debited from complainant’s account on May 26, 2010 but due to unavailability of correct card number, it was in suspense account.
It was pleaded that amounts due were not paid to the bank by the due and payable date and hence overdue and late payment charges were payable.
It has been further stated that opposite party has given the benefit as per one time settlement and the amounts as demanded have been reversed. The grievance of the complainant has been redressed as the credit card account of the complainant has already been zeroised and the requisite no due certificate has already been issued. The account of the complainant has already been closed as settled.