Professional Couriers was asked to pay Rs.34,156 to a customer for losing his mobile phone during transit, and another Rs.3,000 as compensation for the mental agony caused to him.
In ruling so, the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (SCDRC) dismissed the appeal by the courier company that sought a reversal of a similar judgement of a district consumer forum. The latter had also directed Professional Couriers to furnish another thousand rupees towards the complainant’s cost of proceedings.
Yousufguda resident K.V. Murali had in 2012 sent his daughter in Thanjavur a Sony Xperia acro S phone, with its charger, cable and a manual, along with a sari and other clothes. He had availed the services of the courier company for this.
However, after Mr. Murali’s daughter received the parcel, she noticed that it was tampered with, and that except for the phone, all other items were intact. Mr.Murali then approached the district forum, which ruled in his favour.
Later, at the SCDRC hearing, Professional Couriers argued that the consignment which was signed, was non-negotiable, subject to standard conditions of carriage and that the liability was limited to Rs.100 only.
The bench noted that the courier company should not have accepted the consignment, and having done so, it had accepted the responsibility to deliver it and accordingly, and was liable to pay the damages.
