New Delhi: The Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Commission (MRTPC) has hauled up state-run telecom firm Mahanagar Telephone Ltd (MTNL) for deficiency in service and for harassing a customer.
"Undoubtedly, the denial of the legitimate request would be termed as an unfair trade practice on behalf of MTNL," MRTPC acting Chairman M M K Sardana said, while delivering a judgment on a complaint filed by an aggrieved customer.
One Hari Gopal Garg, who shifted his residence from Delhi to Faridabad in June 1998, had sought a 'surrender certificate' from Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Ltd. As per the mandatory requirement, he had returned his telephone set to MTNL.
MRTPC observed that although MTNL issued orders of shifting the telephone connection on July 15, 1998, no action was taken for more than a year despite Garg's reminders to MTNL officials.
Moreover, the company kept sending him telephone bills even though the service was disconnected and the handset was returned.
Although Garg submitted the bills, he appealed to the MRTPC and urged it to direct MTNL to return the amount.
In its judgment, MRTPC said, "The action of the respondent (MTNL) all along seems to be deprecatory and is in the nature of deficiency in service, from that which is expected of a public undertaking like MTNL."
"The entire episode smacks of lack of diligence on behalf of the respondent and gives the sense that service to public has been missing," the Commission added.
During the proceedings, MTNL contended that as per rules Garg did not submit a telephone directory with a mandatory affidavit on a Rs 2 stamp paper. The company also argued it never issued any undue bills.
The Commission rejected the arguments of the telecom major and directed it to return rental charges to Garg with an interest of 9 per cent.
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