Chandigarh Consumer Commission Orders Refund of Rs 12.35 Lakh to Student Cheated by Visa Consultancy
The Chandigarh Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a visa consultancy firm to refund Rs 12.35 lakh and pay compensation to a student after finding the firm guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practices. The firm had failed to secure a Canadian study visa and admission for the student despite collecting a substantial amount.
The commission, presided over by President Amrinder Singh Sidhu and member Brij Mohan Sharma, was hearing a complaint filed by Aastha Saini, a 21-year-old resident of Hoshiarpur. Saini had paid the consultancy to obtain admission and a study visa for Canada. However, the firm did not deliver on its promises and later gave evasive replies when questioned.
Upon independently verifying her admission status with the concerned Canadian institution, Saini discovered that no record existed in her name. The documents provided by the consultancy claiming admission had been secured were found to be false.
In its order dated June 29, the commission held that the firm's failure to complete the promised services and its refusal to refund the amount constituted both deficiency in service and an unfair trade practice. The commission ordered the consultancy to refund the entire amount of Rs 12.35 lakh along with interest and to pay compensation for the mental agony caused to the student.
