Consumer Forum slaps fine on RPO

Bangalore, July 11 (UNI) The Urban District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, Bangalore has warned the Regional Passport Officer (RPO) against dereliction of duty in discharging services and also directed him to pay a compensation of Rs 2,000 to a passport applicant.

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

When the complainant approached the office, as he had not received any reply for his application even after one year, he was told to file another application with Rs 1,000 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 the passport was never dispatched and there was also no proof with the RPO of 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 the RPO to pay a sum of Rs 2,000 to the complainant towards the cost and cautioned him to be more diligent in discharging his obligations in future.

UNI