Mumbai: In yet another example of unprofessionalism displayed by the department of post, the Stock Exchange branch sub-office in Mumbai’s Fort returned the articles back to the sender in torn and tampered condition.
The sender also alleged that the articles, which bore demand notices against cheque dishonour, were returned to him although the previous orders to the same person at the same address were successful.
Legal Documents Returned in Torn Condition, Says Advocate
On July 8, Advocate S.K. Balodi booked 10 articles with India Post’s Stock Exchange branch sub-office to be sent to Vivek Kanoria, Rupali Vivek Kanoria, Anil Kumar Kanoria, Sarita Kanoria and M/s Kanoria Traders Pvt. Ltd at their official and residential addresses at Lake Homes in Chandivali. However, he claimed that all the articles were returned to him in ripped condition.
Contradiction in Delivery History Raises Concerns
In a letter written to the post master of the said branch, Adv Balodi alleged that the articles came with remarks that no such person lives at the address provided. However, he claimed that another article booked by him on June 13 to the Vivek Kanoria at the same address was successfully delivered, according to the acknowledgement received by him.
Claim: Cheque Bounce Notices Mishandled, Jeopardising Legal Action
According to the sender, the article bore demand notice against alleged dishonour of cheque as the recipient’s acknowledgement was necessary for legal action.
However, he alleged that due to the irresponsible behaviour of the department, he will not be able to proceed with his legal action as there is no conclusion on why the articles were returned.
Advocate Seeks Action Under Indian Postal Act
He urged the postal department to take action under the Indian Postal Act against the postman as well as the person who wrote the remark on the letter.
“The said department person who wrote the remarks and the postman are totally responsible for this blunder. After the article’s envelope is sealed, it becomes a public document. Then how was the department’s person allowed to make sub-remarks without any name, signature and date?” Adv Balodi asked.
India Post Promises Probe, Assures Accountability
The Free Press Journal contacted Stock Exchange branch sub-office’s postmaster Lata Iyer, who said that on receipt of the complaint, the department is investigating the matter with Saki Naka sub-office.
“If the articles are sent back to the sender in bad condition, they should not be accepted. However, we have forwarded the complaint to the sub-office concerned. The postal inspector will inspect the site and if there are errors found, the postman and others involved would be questioned and appropriate action will be taken,” she assured.
