Card Stuck Atm Rs 80000 Vanishes Consumer Sbi Delay Rs 15000
I
Indian ExpressVerified Publisher
A Delhi man who lost Rs 80,000 through unauthorised transactions after his SBI debit card got stuck in an ATM had to wait nearly 10 months and approach a consumer forum before the money was refunded. Taking note of the delay, a district consumer commission recently held the State Bank of India (SBI) deficient in service and directed it to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation and litigation costs. A bench of Monika A Srivastava (president) and Kiran Kaushal (member) were hearing a complaint filed by one Sanjay Mishra, who alleged
A Delhi man who lost Rs 80,000 through unauthorised transactions after his SBI debit card got stuck in an ATM had to wait nearly 10 months and approach a consumer forum before the money was refunded. Taking note of the delay, a district consumer commission recently held the State Bank of India (SBI) deficient in service and directed it to pay Rs 15,000 as compensation and litigation costs.
A bench of Monika A Srivastava (president) and Kiran Kaushal (member) were hearing a complaint filed by one Sanjay Mishra, who alleged that Rs 80,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from his account after his debit card got stuck in an ATM and that the amount was refunded only after prolonged follow-up and legal proceedings.
“This commission finds OP (State Bank of India) to be deficient in service to the extent that though the amount withdrawn fraudulently was refunded to the complainant, the same was refunded after a delay of about 10 months, that too after the complainant had approached this commission. Hence OP is directed to pay Rs.15,000 to the complainant towards compensation for mental agony and litigation costs,” the June 2 order read.
The commission noted that the dispute regarding the principal amount stood resolved, as Rs 80,000 was eventually credited back to the complainant’s account on December 7, 2024, nearly 10 months after the fraud was reported.
The consumer body further noted that despite due service of notice, no one appeared on behalf of SBI. Consequently, the matter proceeded ex parte against the bank in April 2025.
After considering the evidence and written submissions placed on record by the complainant, the commission held that the substantial delay in refunding the amount, despite the consumer’s repeated complaints and follow-up, amounted to deficiency in service and warranted compensation.
The commission, accordingly, directed the SBI to pay the complainant an amount of Rs 15,000 for the mental agony and litigation costs.
Richa Sahay is a Legal Correspondent for The Indian Express, where she focuses on simplifying the complexities of the Indian judicial system. A law postgraduate, she leverages her advanced legal education to bridge the gap between technical court rulings and public understanding, ensuring that readers stay informed about the rapidly evolving legal landscape. Expertise Advanced Legal Education: As a law postgraduate, Richa possesses the academic depth required to interpret intricate statutes and constitutional nuances. Her background allows her to provide more than just summaries; she offers context-driven analysis of how legal changes impact the average citizen. Specialized Beat: She operates at the intersection of law and public policy, focusing on: Judicial Updates: Providing timely reports on orders from the Supreme Court of India and various High Courts. Legal Simplification: Translating dense "legalese" into accessible, engaging narratives without sacrificing factual accuracy. Legislative Changes: Monitoring new bills, amendments, and regulatory shifts that shape Indian society. ... Read More