In Brief
The Superintendent of Post Office, Bolangir and a family member both sought maturity payment on lost Indira Vikas Patras (bearer investment certificates) purchased through cash. The District and National Commissions allowed their complaints for deficiency in postal service. The Supreme Court reversed, holding that under Rule 7(2) of the Indira Vikas Patra Rules 1986, lost certificates shall not be replaced. Since these certificates are bearer instruments like currency notes, the Post Office had no statutory duty to pay absent the physical certificates. The refusal was lawful and not deficiency in service. The appeals were allowed and complaints dismissed."
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