Ahmedabad institute to pay Rs 25k for duping Ludhiana resident

For duping a Ludhiana resident on the pretext of offering him a marine course, district consumer disputes redressal forum, Chandigarh, directed an Ahmedabad-based institute to pay Rs 25,000 as compensation for deficient services.

Disposing of the complaint filed by Ludhiana resident Gautam Rishu, consumer forum directed Ahmedabadbased OMEGA Maritime Management Services private limited to refund the entire fee of Rs 4.5 lakh to Rishu, along with 9% interest and Rs 7,000 as cost of litigation.

Coming down heavily on the institute, the forum presided over by Rajan Dewan, on May 21, said, “If the institute had received the fee from Rishu towards completion of a course, it was their duty to start and complete the said course within the stipulated period. However, the institute failed to even start the course which not only caused a lot of mental and physical harassment to the complainant, but also af fected his career prospects.

The institute cannot be allowed to play with the careers of aspiring students like Rishu in such a way. Therefore, the institute is proved to be grossly deficient in rendering proper service.”

The forum held that the institute was requested to refund the amount paid but they even failed to do so, thus indulging in deficiency in service and unfair trade practice.

Gautam, desirous of doing a professional course, had approached OMEGA Maritime Management Services private limited and was told that he would have to undergo a presea course of six months, and thereafter the on board course (placement course) of 18 months, after which he would be provided a suitable job.

Rishu said he completed his pre-sea course and was to undergo 18 months on board course, but he was not taught despite contacting them repeatedly.

OMEGA Maritime Management Services private limited was proceeded exparte.