Consumer Forum slaps fine on Passport Officer

Bangalore, Jul 11 (UNI) The Bangalore Urban District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum has warned the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) against dereliction of duty in discharging services to the public and also directed him to pay a compensation of Rs 2000 to a passport applicant.

While disposing off a complaint filed by one K Narasimhaiah, which stated that the RPO had failed to renew a passport which was submitted in 2006 despite paying requisite fee, the forum delivered its verdict last week.

When the complainant did not receive any reply for his application even after one year. When approached he was told by the passport officer to file another application with Rs 1000 as fee.

Aggrieved with the response, the complainant approached the forum, which after hearing the case issued a notice to the RPO. The RPO who sent his written submission had claimed that the passport was posted to the complainant but was however returned for want of correct address.

Contending the claim of the RPO was far from the truth, the complainant argued that passport was never dispatched and there was also no proof with RPO for having sent it to his address.

After hearing the case the forum ordered the RPO to issue the renewed passport to the petitioner immediately and send it through an assured mode of service. The forum also instructed RPO to pay a sum of Rs 2000 to the complainant towards the cost and cautioned him to be more diligent in discharging his obligations in future.

UNI