District Consumer Forum | Marriage bureau’s failure to find a match or arrange any meeting, held as ‘deficient service’ – directed to refund amount paid by complainant

District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, New Delhi: The Coram of Rekha Rani (President) and Kiran Kaushal (Member) allowed a case filed against the opposite party Global Alliance Matrimony (OP) under Section 11 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.

The complainant, Saurabh Rai filed a complaint in this forum against the OP, a marriage bureau, alleging them of unfair trade practices and deficient in providing services. The complainant had paid Rs 31,000 to the OP for premium matrimonial service. Neither did he found a perfect match nor a single meeting. OP also didn’t provide any customised service as promised at the time of registration. The complainant also stated that after some time OP stopped taking his and his aunt’s calls. Notice was duly served upon the OP but none appeared on its behalf to contest the case of the complainant. Hence, OP proceeded ex-parte.

The Tribunal was of the opinion that OP was grossly deficient in service and allowed the complaint, and directed OP to refund Rs 31,000 paid by the complainant along with interest at 6 percent per annum from the date of registration till realization. Additionally, the Tribunal also directed OP to pay Rs 5,000 towards mental agony, harassment and cost of litigation.[Saurabh Rai v. Global Alliance Matrimony, Complaint Case No. CC/196 of 2017, decided on 05-12-2019]