Case Note & Summary
The dispute arose from a complaint filed by the appellants against the Pune Municipal Corporation regarding compensation for damages. The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Maharashtra, initially awarded Rs.4,00,000/- as compensation, which was later enhanced by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission to Rs.6,54,000/-. The appellants contended that the compensation should have been assessed at Rs.7,92,000/-, a claim that the private respondents did not dispute. The Supreme Court found merit in the appellants' claim and held that the correct compensation was indeed Rs.7,92,000/-. After accounting for Rs.50,000/- already paid by the Pune Municipal Corporation, the court directed Respondent Nos.4 to 8 to pay Rs.7,42,000/- along with interest at the rate of nine per cent per annum from the date of filing the complaint, which was 20th April, 2000. The court allowed the appeal in part, correcting the compensation amount and ensuring that interest was awarded from the date of filing the complaint, thus providing relief to the appellants.
Headnote
A) Consumer Law - Compensation Calculation - Enhanced Compensation - Consumer Protection Act, 1986 - The National Commission's calculation of compensation was found to be erroneous, and the appellants were entitled to a higher amount. The court directed that the total compensation payable was Rs.7,92,000/- after deducting the amount already paid, with interest from the date of filing the complaint. Held that the appellants were entitled to the corrected amount along with interest (Paras 1-3).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the compensation awarded by the National Commission was correctly calculated and whether interest should be awarded from the date of filing the complaint.
Final Decision
The Supreme Court held that the correct compensation was Rs.7,92,000/-, directing Respondent Nos.4 to 8 to pay Rs.7,42,000/- along with interest at nine per cent per annum from the date of filing the complaint within four months.
Law Points
- Consumer protection
- compensation calculation
- interest on compensation
