Ludhiana: The district consumer disputes redressal commission has directed a city-based elevator company to refund Rs 3 lakh to a complainant and pay Rs 50,000 as compensation, holding it guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice after it failed to install an elevator despite receiving payment.The case was filed by Sanjay Kumar, a resident of GRD Colony on Chandigarh Road, who had entered into an agreement with the firm in July 2023 for installation of an elevator at his hosiery unit on Bahadurke Road for Rs 4.35 lakh. As per the agreement, the work was to be completed within two months, failing which the company was required to refund the amount received and pay Rs 50,000 as compensation.Kumar told the commission that he paid Rs 3 lakh to the company, but the installation work was never completed. Despite repeated requests and a legal notice served in May 2024, the firm allegedly failed to respond, forcing him to get the work done through another party.The commission proceeded ex parte after the company failed to appear despite being served summons. After examining the agreement and documents placed on record, it held that the firm had failed to fulfil its contractual obligations and was guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.The commission ordered the company to refund Rs 3 lakh, pay Rs 50,000 compensation for mental agony and harassment, and bear litigation expenses of Rs 22,000. It also ruled that if the amount is not paid within 30 days, it will attract interest at 8% per annum until realization.
