Coaching institute told to refund Rs 66K to student

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, December 25

The State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has dismissed an appeal filed by Allen Career Institute against the order of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, wherein the institute was directed to refund the balance fee of Rs 66,000 to a resident of Mani Majra.

Neha, a resident of Mani Majra, Chandigarh, in her complaint, mentioned that she got admission in Allen Career Institute on deposit of fee of Rs 88,000 and also deposited Rs 7,600 towards transport fee. It was stated that she got admission in Government Model Senior Secondary School, Sector 16, Chandigarh, in 2016-17, which was far away from her residence.

It was further stated that the school used to close at 2 pm and the complainant could reach home around 3 pm only, whereas the bus of the institute used to leave the area where she resided around 2.20 pm Therefore, the bus provided by the institute did not suit her timings.

It was further stated that due to these reasons, which were beyond the control of the complainant, the coaching had to be discontinued after expiry of around three months. It was further stated that the coaching classes were attended from April 6, 2016, to July 4, 2016. It was further stated that the complainant made various requests and sent letters for refund of the fee of the remaining period, but these were not replied.

In its reply, the institute stated that the complainant is not entitled for the refund of the fee as she studied only for four months and even out of the fee received, it had to deposit tax to the tune of Rs 11,144 and the consumer complaint does not show that there was any imperfection on the part of the institute in providing the required service.

After hearing the arguments, the forum stated that the girl had studied about three months with a monthly fee Rs 7,333 and for a period of three months, the total fee works out to be Rs 22,000. As against the amount of Rs 88,000 paid in the beginning, the girl is entitled to refund of Rs 66,000.

Thus, the forum directed the institute to refund the balance fee of Rs 66,000, along with interest at 9 per cent per annum, from the date of leaving the course on July 4, 2016, till realisation and to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation for causing mental agony and harassment to her and to pay Rs 10,000 as litigation expenses to the complainant.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.