Ernakulam Consumer Forum Directs Printing Press To Compensate Author For Failure To Print Book In Time

The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission at Ernakulam recently directed a printing press to compensate the author of a book for its failure to print the author's book in time. 

The Bench comprising President D.B. Binu and Members V. Ramachandran and Sreevidhia T.N. awarded a sum of Rs. 31,460 as compensation to the author. 

As per the facts of the case, Theressa Offset Printers & New Indian Press had submitted a quotation offering the complainant to print 500 copies of his book, 'History & Science of Numbers', the English version of 'Akkangalude Charithram', for Rs. 31,690. The complainant accepted the offer for printed books in 'word format', to be delivered by the end of July 2016.

As per the complaint, the opposite party demanded advance payment and subsequently told him that the 'word format' of the book would have to be changed to 'page make format'. For this it demanded additional conversion charges, it is alleged.

The complainant claimed that the book was scheduled for presentation at a function attended by the Governor of Goa but it was delivered to him late. Moreover, he was forced to spend an additional amount of Rs. 16,460, over and above the quote of Opposite party.

He thus sought Rs. 16,460/- towards additional cost incurred, Rs. 10,000/- towards mental agony and hardship suffered by him, Rs. 15,000/- towards deficiency in service and unfair trade practice committed by the opposite party, and Rs. 10,000/- towards the cost of proceedings. 

The Commission noted that the Press had not adequately performed its service. 

"The Opposite Party has inadequately performed the service as contracted with the complainant, and hence there is deficiency in service, negligence, and failure on the part of the Opposite Party in failing to provide the Complainant desired service which in turn has caused mental agony and hardship and financial loss, to the Complainant," it was observed. 

The Complainant was thus awarded Rs. 31,460 as compensation. It was further directed that if the above compensation was not paid within 30 days, the amount would attract interest at the rate of 5.5% till the date of realization of the amount. 

Case Title: Thomas George v. Peter Job 

Click Here To Read/Download The Order