DTDC fined Rs 20,000 for delay in delivery

HYDERABAD: The courier service DTDC was ordered by Telangana Consumer Court to pay a sum of Rs 500 for the damage caused to a package. They were also asked to pay Rs 10,000, as compensation for the delay caused in the delivery of products. Another amount of Rs 10,000 is towards the cost of litigation.

The complainant, R Ramana, had availed the courier services and booked a parcel containing Ayurvedic products by paying Rs 490 as delivery charges. The parcel was said to be delivered to Guntur, but it was not delivered at the said time and date, moreover, on enquiry, it was known that the parcel was damaged. Though the complainant had sent several emails, the courier office did not come forward to settle the matter.

DTDC, while admitting to the delay in delivery said that the package contained some liquid items and therefore might have been damaged in transit. They further said that their services are covered under the Indian Carriers Act and according to their terms, they are liability is limited to only Rs 500. DTDC sought the dismissal of the case claiming that the parcel packaged for delivery was also not insured

The court, hearing both parties, said that the package was delivered after one and a half months from the said date. Hence, the court ordered the courier services to compensate for the damaged goods and fined them for the mental agony and hardship caused to the complainant. However, the court denied the request of the complainant to refund the delivery charges.