Kerala Consumer Forum Orders Packer to Pay Rs 58,450 for Undelivered Bicycle and Goods
The Kannur District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has directed a packing and moving company, India Shifting Solutions Pvt Ltd, to pay a total of Rs 58,450 to a complainant for failing to deliver his consignment, which included a bicycle worth Rs 32,000 and other household items. The commission held the company liable for deficiency in service after it collected transportation charges but neither delivered the goods nor refunded the money.
Nithin T A, a resident of Kannur, Kerala, had entrusted the company with transporting a bicycle, mixer grinder, vacuum cleaner, and other electrical items from Delhi to Kannur. The company initially quoted Rs 2,700 plus GST and insurance but later raised the bill to Rs 6,900. After negotiations, the parties agreed on a final charge of Rs 5,300, which Nithin paid via GPay. The company assured delivery within four days, but the consignment never arrived. Subsequently, the company stopped responding to Nithin's calls, prompting him to approach the consumer forum.
During the proceedings, the company failed to appear despite being served notices twice. The commission proceeded ex parte and examined the complainant's affidavit, payment receipts, consignment records, invoices, and quotations. It concluded that the complainant had established the transaction and the company's failure to deliver the goods constituted a clear deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act.
In its order dated June 30, the commission, comprising President Ravi Susha and members Moly Kutty Mathew and Sajeesh K P, directed the company to pay Rs 32,000 for the bicycle and Rs 6,450 for other undelivered items, totalling Rs 38,450. Additionally, it ordered Rs 15,000 as compensation for mental agony and Rs 5,000 towards litigation expenses, to be paid within one month.
This ruling underscores the accountability of packers and movers who fail to honour their commitments. Consumers facing similar issues can contact the National Consumer Helpline at 1915 or their state helpline, such as Kerala's at 1800-425-1550.
