Clubs directed to pay ₹1 lakh compensation

The Consumer Forum Hyderabad – III directed Nizam Club, Secunderabad Club and WIC India, which had affiliations to the clubs, to jointly pay ₹1 lakh as compensation for not permitting a person to use their facilities.

The forum was dealing with a complaint by Abhisekh Agarwal, 23, a resident of Baghlingampally.

Mr. Agarwal said that on November 17, 2015 he became a lifetime member of WIC India after paying ₹1,32,600. The membership with WIC India, he said, entitled him to avail facilities at the two clubs.

The complainant said that he approached Nizam Club on March 25, 2016 and Secunderabad Club on March 22, 2016 to avail facilities, but both denied him service.

The forum noted that while WIC India, its Coordinator – Member Relation Office and the Secunderabad Club were absent, the Nizam Club contended that Mr. Agarwal did not approach it and that there was no deficiency of service.

The Nizam Club also admitted that it was in a reciprocal agreement with WIC India.

The latter’s members could avail facilities at the club but at its discretion.

‘Deficiency of service’

The agreement expired on March 31, 2016. In its judgment, it stated that there was a deficiency of service on the part of WIC India, its Coordinator – Member Relation Office, Secunderabad Club and Nizam Club.

The forum directed WIC India and its Coordinator – Member Relation Office to refund the ₹1,32,600 which Mr. Agarwal had paid to them for becoming a member. It also directed all respondents to jointly pay ₹ 1 lakh as compensation apart from ₹10,000 as costs.