Odisha Consumer Court Upholds Farmer Rights in Landmark Judgment
In a significant victory for consumer rights, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in Sundargarh has delivered a strong verdict against an agro-based company, ordering substantial compensation for service deficiencies involving agricultural equipment.
The Case of the Defective Paddy Planter
Sabitri Sa, a 50-year-old resident of Dandjamaira in Sundargarh district, along with her relative Lalit Kumar Sa, purchased a paddy planter machine worth Rs 2,55,000 from the Sambalpur-based firm on July 3, 2020. The transaction represented a significant investment for the agricultural family, who anticipated the machine would enhance their farming efficiency.
During the delivery process, company representatives assured both Sabitri and Lalit that a technician would soon arrive to install the equipment properly. However, this promise remained unfulfilled despite repeated attempts by the purchasers to resolve the issue.
Four Years of Struggle and Financial Loss
The situation escalated when the aggrieved parties visited the company's office in Sambalpur personally, yet received no satisfactory resolution. The paddy planter remained non-functional and uninstalled, rendering their substantial investment useless.
Compounding their financial distress, the company also failed to process the subsidy payment for the agricultural equipment, adding to the monetary burden faced by the farmers. The inability to use the machine resulted in significant agricultural losses and operational challenges for Sabitri and her family.
After nearly four years of frustration and financial hardship, Sabitri filed a formal complaint with the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission on May 1, 2024.
Court Delivers Justice with Compensation Order
The consumer commission thoroughly examined all records and evidence presented in the case. The bench observed clear deficiency in service on the part of the agro-based company, noting that the failure to install the machine had caused substantial financial losses to the complainant.
Pronouncing the judgment on November 12, the commission directed the firm to pay Rs 5 lakh as compensation to Sabitri Sa for the hardships and losses endured. Additionally, the company was ordered to pay Rs 10,000 towards litigation fees.
The court gave the company a 30-day deadline from the date of receiving the order to make the payment. The ruling specified that failure to comply would result in an annual interest rate of 9% on the due amount until full realization.
This judgment serves as an important precedent for protecting farmer rights and holding agricultural equipment suppliers accountable for their service commitments. The case highlights the effectiveness of consumer courts in addressing grievances and ensuring justice for common citizens against corporate negligence.
