Nat Consumer Redressal comm stays Rs 25 lakh fine on MCD by state co
New Delhi, Jun 18 (UNI) The National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission today stayed the operation of impugned Orders of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission wherein it directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to deposit or pay a sum of Rs 25 lakh as punitive damages.
The State Commission, in its order on May 27, imposed a fine of Rs 25 lakh on the MCD for deficiency in services and failure to discharge its functions under section 42 of the DMC Act, 1957.
The order of the National Commission is returnable on July 28.
An MCD spokesperson informed that arguing the case on behalf of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, its Standing Counsel Amit K Paul contended before the National Commission that the petition entertained by the State Commission itself was completely ''misconceived'' and that the mere payment of the property tax by a citizen did not make him a "Consumer" who have availed or hired any service from the MCD.
It was argued that such a person or organisation does not lie within the ambit of the Consumer's Protection Act.
It was also urged by the Standing Counsel of MCD that the section 42 of the DMC Act, 1957 listed the statutory obligation functions of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the State Consumer's Commission did not have any justification to entertain a petition of perceived non-performance of service.
UNI
AR
HS
NS1943