Sahara India Ordered to Pay Refund
Court Orders Sahara India to Pay Rs 7 Lakh to Senior Citizen
Hyderabad: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Hyderabad has directed Sahara India to pay Rs 7 lakh along with 9 percent interest to senior citizen Raj Kumari Tiwari for failing to release her fixed deposit amount. Despite repeated attempts by Tiwari to claim her matured deposits, Sahara India delayed the payment, leading to legal action.
Fixed Deposits with Sahara India
Raj Kumari Tiwari, a senior citizen, made 15 fixed deposits in June 2012 with Sahara India Limited, each having a maturity value of Rs 47,016. The deposits were supposed to mature after eight years, in June 2020. After the maturity period, Tiwari approached the company multiple times, requesting the release of her funds. Despite her efforts, the firm ignored her requests and failed to release the payment.
Filing of the Complaint
Frustrated by Sahara India’s inaction, Tiwari filed a complaint with the District Consumer Court in 2022, accusing the firm of deficiency in service. In her complaint, she sought a refund of the deposit amount along with compensation for the mental distress caused by the delay.
In an effort to resolve the matter, Tiwari also considered the court’s suggestion to register on Sahara India’s online portal. In April 2023, she successfully registered on the platform and was granted an initial refund of Rs 10,000. However, since her total claim was more than Rs 50,000, she was required to submit additional documents, including her membership number, deposit account number, Aadhar-linked mobile number, PAN card, and deposit certificates or passbook.
Discrepancies in Documents and System Issues
After submitting the required documents, Tiwari received a message from Sahara India alleging discrepancies in her paperwork. She tried to resubmit her claim but encountered difficulties, as the online portal only accepted claims of Rs 5 lakh or less. This technical issue further delayed the process, leaving Tiwari without her rightful funds.
Court’s Decision and Compensation
During the trial, the bench noted that Sahara India had failed to pay the dues despite multiple notices from the consumer commission. After reviewing the arguments from both sides, the court ruled that Sahara India’s actions amounted to negligence and an unfair trade practice.
The court ordered Sahara India to pay Rs 7,05,240 to Tiwari, with interest at 9 percent per annum, starting from June 2020 until the date of payment. In addition to the principal amount and interest, the court awarded Rs 10,000 to Tiwari as compensation for legal expenses. This judgment serves as a reminder that companies must fulfill their obligations and not neglect the rights of consumers.
Legal Ramifications and Unfair Trade Practices
Sahara India’s failure to release the fixed deposit amount as per the agreement was deemed a clear case of negligence. The company’s refusal to comply with the consumer court’s notices showed a disregard for the legal process, further aggravating the situation. Such behavior is classified as an unfair trade practice, which harms the trust between businesses and consumers.
The court’s ruling is not only a victory for Tiwari but also a warning to other companies to adhere to consumer protection laws and respect their customers’ rights. In cases like these, where companies refuse to honor their commitments, legal action is often the only recourse for consumers to obtain justice.
Conclusion
The District Consumer Court’s decision to order Sahara India to pay Rs 7 lakh to Raj Kumari Tiwari, along with 9 percent interest, is a significant ruling in favor of consumers. This case highlights the importance of holding companies accountable when they fail to fulfill their obligations. It also underscores the value of consumer rights and the need for companies to avoid negligence and unfair trade practices.
Disclaimer:
The information provided in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional guidance for specific cases.