A consumer court in Karachi has ordered a private bank to pay Rs. 15,000 as compensation to a customer for faulty ATM service. The decision was made by the Consumer Protection Court (South) in a case that highlights customer rights in banking services.
Advocate Faraz Faheem filed the complaint after an ATM failed to dispense cash but kept his card inside. He had to visit the bank during working hours to resolve the issue, which caused him financial inconvenience, embarrassment, and disruption in his professional work. He originally sought Rs. 50,000 in compensation.
Judge Abul Ahad Memon ruled in favour of the customer. The court observed that the bank provided deficient service and failed to maintain its ATM properly. The malfunction not only caused mental distress but also wasted the customer’s valuable time.
The court stated that banks must ensure their machines work properly and provide quick solutions when problems occur. This verdict sends a clear message that customers should not suffer due to poor service from banks.
Consumer rights activists have welcomed the decision, saying it will encourage people to raise their voice against faulty services. Banks have been advised to regularly check and maintain their ATMs to avoid such incidents in the future.
