AGARTALA, June 17 (TIWN): In a sharp jibe to the frequent incidents of reported false charges imposed on consumers by private telecom companies, the West Tripura district consumer disputes redressal forum recently held Airtel Company Limited guilty of charging unauthorized internet charges from its consumers.The consumer disputes redressal forum heard a complaint filed by one Asish Dey from Indranagar area under the East Agartala police station alleging deficiency in service on the part of his service provider – Airtel Co. Ltd.

 The hearing held in May this year stated clearly that no unfair trade practices would be entertained.

The complaint filed with the disputes redressal authority said that the complainant has been using a prepaid mobile telephone number operatred by Airtel Ltd. While an internet pack was activated on the number on December 31, 2012, it was renewed without confirmation of the user. The latter said in his complaint that he tried to stop the imposition by calling on the customer helpline but failed to get a refund or cancel the unintended service. A compensation claim of Rs. 30 thousand was later filed alleging negligence and adopting unfair trade practice.

After hearing of the case, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum instructed the service provider to refund Rs. 98 deducted from the balance account of the complainant. A compensation of Rs. 3,000 was imposed on the service provider for causing mental injury, harassment and indulging in unfair trade with Rs. 1,000 as litigation expenses within 30 days of the hearing.

The hearing came as a surge of relief to telecom users across the state, especially at a time when the service providers are found more keen in making new consumers than serving the existing ones.