Thrissur District Commission Holds State Bank Of India Liable For Delay In Delivery Of Debit Card
Amrisha Kumari
25 Dec 2024 6:30 PM IST
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Thrissur presided by Sri. C.T. Sabu (President), Smt. Sreeja. S. (Member) and Sri. Ram Mohan R. (Member) held the SBI branch of Thrissur Civil Station liable for deficiency in service due to delay in delivery of debit card.
Brief facts:
The complainant, an account holder in the SBI branch of Thrissur Civil Station (respondent) applied for a new debit card on 04/07/2022 as the validity of his previous card ceased. Despite repeated requests there was delay in issuing card. On 10/11/2022, the complainant sent an email to the respondent for seeking compensation of Rs10,000/- for every month of delay.
Finally, the complainant received the new debit card on 16/11/2022 but no compensation was paid for the delay. Being aggrieved, the complainant filed a complaint in Thrissur District Commission for compensation and costs.
Contentions of the Respondent:
The respondent denied that the complainant applied for a debit card on 04/07/2022 or sent an email for seeking compensation on 10/11/2022. Further, the respondent alleged non-joinder of card issuing agencies like, Visa, Master, etc.
The respondent claimed to despatch the card on time but it was returned due to continuous absence of addressee. Consequently, the returned card was delivered and any delay caused was due to the complainant himself.
Observation of the District Commission:
The commission rejected non-joinder of party because the complainant had privity of contract with the respondent as the complainant was an account holder of the bank, not the card issuing agency. Further, it was noted that the delay was caused due to the respondent's failure constituting deficiency in service on their part.
The commission observed that in the era of digital banking where technology has reduced physical visits to the bank, the respondent bank has failed to provide timely services. Thus, the complainant suffered agony, hardship and financial loss owing to the delay.
Therefore, the respondent bank was directed to pay Rs. 10,000/- as compensation and Rs. 5,000/- as litigation cost, both with 9% interest.
Case title: James E.P. vs. Branch Manager, SBI Thrissur Civil Station.
Case No: Complaint Case No. 9/23
Date of Pronouncement: 18.12.2024
