Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Chennai (South) slapped a fine of Rs 45,000 on an international express courier firm for not delivering Deepavali gifts, including sweets, snacks and sarees to a woman in Texas, USA. Her father from the city sent the gift prior to Deepavali three years ago.
In the petition, K. Sambandam of Adyar submitted that he sent a parcel containing silk saree, blouses, tops, petticoat, sweet and snacks to his daughter, who was living in an apartment at Houston, Texas, U.S.A, as Deepawali gift. He purchased a silk saree for a price of Rs 11,850.
He sent the parcel through M/s. Queens International Express, Mylapore for Rs 4,500 on October 24, 2016. However, the courier company had not delivered the consignment. The purpose of sending the articles to celebrate Deepvali was totally defeated, which caused great mental agony and hardship, he said.
Even after repeated requests there was no proper response from Queens International Express. In its reply, the company, in an email, admitted that the shipment was wrongly delivered and they were taking steps to retrieve it and deliver it to his daughter. But so far, neither the consignment was delivered to either to the consignee nor returned to the consignor.
He issued notice on November 9, 2016. As there was no response, he filed the complaint seeking direction to K.M. Gani Proprietor of M/s. Queens International Express to pay him compensation for causing mental agony.
In his reply, K.M. Gani denied the averments made in the petition. The consignment was duly shipped to Houston Texas and it was wrongly delivered because of the address mentioned in proforma invoice. It was handed over to the transporter M/s. FedEx Express, Egmore. He sought dismissal of the petition.
The bench comprising its president M. Mony and member R. Baskarkumaravel said M/s. Queens International Express committed deficiency in service.
Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, the Forum ordered M/s. Queens International Express to pay the petitioner Rs 25,000 towards the cost of consignment and a compensation of Rs 10,000 for causing mental agony and a cost of Rs 10,000.
