Pune: The Pune District Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum has ruled in favor of Mahesh Shejwal, a resident of Charholi and an account holder at the Vishrantwadi branch of the Bank of Maharashtra, ordering the bank to pay ₹39,500 in compensation.

According to Shejwal's complaint, he attempted to withdraw ₹10,000 from an ATM at the Pune Municipal Corporation main building during the financial restriction period in January 2017. Although the transaction showed as successful, the cash was not dispensed. Despite this, the amount was debited from his bank account.

As per Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, banks must refund such debited amounts to customers' accounts within 12 working days. However, in this case, no such action was taken. When Shejwal repeatedly followed up with the bank, he was informed that no discrepancies were found in the ATM records.

With no resolution from the bank, Shejwal approached the Pune District Consumer Dispute Redressal Forum, seeking compensation for the financial loss and mental harassment caused by the bank’s inaction.

The commission ruled in his favor and directed the Vishrantwadi branch of the Bank of Maharashtra to pay:

• ₹33,500 for 335 days of delay (₹100 per day for the period from January 20, 2017, to December 20, 2017),

• ₹5,000 for the mental harassment caused to the complainant, and

• ₹1,000 towards the cost of filing the complaint.

The total compensation amounts to ₹39,500.

The case was presided over by Forum President Anil B. Jawlekar, along with members Sarita N. Patil and Shubhangi J. Dunakhe.