India Post directed by forum to pay back consumer 50 paise, plus Rs 15,000

The Kancheepuram district consumer disputes redressal commission directed India Post to refund 50 paise to a consumer and pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for mental agony, unfair trade practice, and deficiency in service. The complainant, A Manasha, paid Rs 30 for a registered letter, but the receipt showed only Rs 29.50. The commission found that the rounding off of 50 paise due to a software issue amounted to an unfair trade practice under the Consumer Protection Act. The Department of Posts (DoP) was also ordered to pay Rs 5,000 towards litigation costs. The commission emphasized that the act of collecting excess money due to technical issues was illegal and caused serious mental agony to the complainant. The ruling underscores the importance of accurate billing and fair trade practices in consumer services5.