POSTMASTER, KHURDA HEAD POST OFFICE vs PRADEEP KUMAR MOHANTY

THE case in brief is that complainant sent money order for Rs. 500/- to Sri Basanta Kumar Mohanty, Village Matikhana, P.O. Bhograi, Distt. Balasore on 14.11.1994 after paying M.O. Commission of Rs. 25.00 to the Postmaster, Khurda Head Post Office, Khurda.

COMPLAINANT came to know that the same money had not been received by said Basanta Kumar Mohanty in spite of his complaint to the Postmaster. After the complaint was made by this complainant, the Post Office paid the money order amount of Rs. 500/- on duplicate money order form issued by the Post Office on 15.6.1995 i.e. after lapse of one year 31 days.

The complainant has demanded the compensation of Rs. 20,775/-.

WE have gone through records and orders of Court below and heard the facts and circumstances in detail in the Court. The O.Ps. have not come forward with any explanation as to the delay in delivering of the Money Order. Their only explanation in the written version is that, they took prompt action after they know that the Money Order was not delivered. This point has been rightly taken by the District Forum and awarded compensation of Rs. 2,000/- which is absolutely reasonable. WE do not find any infirmity in the orders of Court below and we, therefore, uphold the order of Court below and order that order of Court below should be carried out by the opposite parties within two months from the date of receipt of this order. Appeal is dismissed. Mr. Justice D.M. Patnaik, President-I agree. Mr. Pramodnath Das, Member-I agree. Appeal dismissed.