Rly. contractor told to pay compensation

By Our Staff Reporter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, SEPT. 9. The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered the parking contractor in Thiruvananthapuram Central Railway Station to pay compensation for collecting excess fees.

The forum comprising Mr. N. Haridas, president, Ms. S. K. Sreela and Mr. P. Vasudeva Kurup, members, ordered the contractor to refund Rs. 14 with 16.5 per cent interest and pay Rs. 500 as compensation and Rs. 300 as costs to the complainant.

The complainant, Mr. K. Mohana Chandran Pillai, a resident of Prasanth Nagar, parked his car in the parking area in front of the Railway Station on August 6, 1999 after obtaining a token for Rs. 4 and went on a journey. When he returned on August 10, 1999, the contractor demanded Rs. 30 more from the complainant. The parking fees for a day is Rs. 4 and the complainant had to pay only Rs. 20.

Though the complainant registered a complaint with the Divisional Manager and the Station Manager, no action was taken. Then he moved the forum seeking recovery of Rs. 14 and also for damages and costs.

Though the Divisional Manager and Station Master filed their versions, the contractor remained ex parte. They said that the excess amount was collected by the contractor and they had no knowledge about it. The complainant was not entitled to claim any relief. If at all any relief is to be claimed that shall be against the contractor who received the payment, they said.

Ultimately, the forum ordered the contractor to refund the excess amount and pay compensation and costs to the complainant.

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Section  : Southern States
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