CONSUMER TOLD TO PAY FOR IMPROPER COMPLAINT

In an interesting turn, the consumer forum has ordered a complainant to pay `500 for filing an improper complaint against Reliance Communications and wasting the forum’s time.

The complainant, who runs a share business, purchased shares for commercial activity and did not avail any service exclusively for the purpose of earning for his livelihood, the forum noted.

The complainant had stated that he ran a business of purchasing and selling shares whenever it was profitable for him. He was in a position to earn `16 lakh but was unable to carry out the transaction due to the failure of internet services provided by Reliance Communications for nearly two-and-halfyears between 9 am and 12 noon. As a result, he suffered the loss of his profit of `16 lakh, and demanded compensation. Reliance Communications did not appear for the hearing.

The forum stated that the complainant was not a consumer under Consumer Protection Act, 1986, since he was running a share business wherein purchasing and selling the shares was a business activity for commercial purpose. It is established that the complainant had not bought any goods and nor availed any service exclusively for the purpose of earning for his livelihood. In such circumstances, the complaint was liable for dismissal, the forum ruled. The forum told the complainant to deposit `500 with the District Legal Services Authority for filing an improper complaint.