SUB POST-MASTER, CHARKHI DADRI vs Saroj Bala

THIS appeal has been filed by the Sub-Post-Master, Charkhi Dadri and Post Master, Bhiwani, against the order dated 10th of January, 1995 passed by the District Forum, Bhiwani by which, complaint of Miss Saroj Bala has been allowed and the appellant-Post Office has been ordered to pay interest on the amount of Rs. 6000/- to the complainant at the rate of 11% per annum for the period during which the amount remained deposited in her account.

THE principal contention of the appellant, against the grant of interest is, that since the complainant was a minor, the opening of the account in her name was irregular, as she was not an income-tax assessee. Mr. V.S. Jain, Asstt. Superintendent, Post Offices, Bhiwani representing the appellant, in order to support his contention, has invited reference to the provisions of National Saving Scheme Rules, according to which opening of an account in the name of the minor was not permissible. We are not impressed with the arguments. Once the application of the minor for opening of the account was accepted by the Post Office Authorities and the account remained operative for number of years, it was too late now for the appellant-Postal Authorities to tell the complainant, that the amount deposited by her, which had been lying and utilised by the Post Office for number of years would not earn any interest in favour of the minor. Denial of interest at the stage of maturity of the account under the National Saving Scheme was wholly unfair and arbitrary. The irregularity should have been pointed out at the time of opening the account or soon thereafter. The Postal Authorities have been grossly negligent in this regard. Therefore, there is no illegality or irregularity in the grant of interest to a minor, whether an income-tax assessee or not, by way of compensation. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed with no order as to costs. Appeal dismissed without costs.