Arrest Warrant Issued for Tenkasi Bank Manager: Consumer Court Takes Stern Action

Tirunelveli, June 21:
In a significant consumer rights case, the Tirunelveli District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has issued an arrest warrant against the Branch Manager of Indian Overseas Bank in Keel Neelithanallur, Tenkasi for failing to comply with a court order related to a service deficiency complaint.

The Background

The case was filed by Mr. Thangapandian, a resident of Keel Neelithanallur in Tenkasi District, who had availed a loan of ₹1 lakh under the TAHDCO scheme from Indian Overseas Bank. He had been repaying the loan diligently. However, in May 2022, he paid an installment of ₹3,000, but only ₹640 was credited to his loan account.

When he inquired about the missing ₹2,360, the bank failed to provide a proper explanation. Frustrated by the lack of response, Thangapandian filed a formal consumer complaint against the bank citing service deficiency.

Court's Investigation and Verdict

The court ordered the bank to provide a full explanation. The bank claimed that during the COVID-19 moratorium period, as per RBI guidelines, ₹2,360 was deducted under loan deferment clauses and that all necessary information was provided to the customer.

However, evidence showed that Thangapandian was never informed about these deductions. Based on this, the Consumer Commission in May 2024 ordered the bank to pay ₹25,000 as compensation, including legal expenses, within one month.

Arrest Warrant for Non-Compliance

The bank failed to comply with the court's verdict. As a result, Thangapandian filed an execution petition. With no representation from the bank in the hearing, President Mr. Planstone Plus Thakur and Member Mr. Kanakasabapathi of the Tirunelveli Consumer Court issued an arrest warrant against the bank manager. The case has been adjourned to October 9, 2024 for further hearing.

Key Takeaways:

• Consumer: Thangapandian, Tenkasi

• Bank: Indian Overseas Bank, Keel Neelithanallur branch

• Issue: Missing loan repayment amount (₹2,360)

• Verdict: ₹25,000 compensation

• Action: Arrest warrant issued against Branch Manager

• Next Hearing: October 9, 2024