PRINCIPAL, C.R. COLLEGE OF PHARMACY, KARNATAKA Vs. LALIT MOHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) APPELLANTS are aggrieved by the order dated 18.11.2011, of learned District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Hamirpur, whereby a complaint, under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act 1986, filed against them by respondents Lalit Mohan and Om Prakash, has been allowed and they have been ordered to refund the amount of Rs.1,53,720/, allegedly charged by them from the respondents, on account of fees and other expenses for Pharmacy Diploma Course of two years ' duration, with interest at the rate of 9% per annum, and also to pay Rs.10,000/ - as punitive compensation and Rs.5,000/ - on account of costs.

(2.) RESPONDENTS filed a complaint, under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, alleging that for the session 2002 -04 respondent Lalit Mohan was charged a sum of Rs.1,53,720/ - and the money was paid by his father Om Prakash, respondent No.2. It was pleaded that at the end of the session, Lalit Mohan was deputed to undergo practical training at C.H.C., Jawalamukhi, but the diploma in respect of the pharmacy course was not issued. It was pleaded that respondents visited the institution of the appellants several times and also served a legal notice, but the appellants did not issue the diploma. With these allegations, respondents approached the learned District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Hamirpur, seeking issuance of a direction to the appellants to refund the amount of Rs.1,53,720/ - with interest and also to pay compensation and litigation expenses.

(3.) APPELLANTS having not put in appearance, were ordered to be proceeded against ex -parte by the learned District Forum. Respondents adduced ex -parte evidence. Learned District Forum, vide impugned order, allowed the complaint and directed the appellants to refund the money with interest and also to pay punitive compensation and costs, as aforesaid.