Tata Tele Services has been fined Rs 20,000 ($460) by state consumer commissioners for hiring private recovery agents to collecting charges from customers, reports the Times of India.

Commission president, justice J D Kapoor gave an order stating that every right of a service provider or consumer  has to be claimed or settled through legal procedure, and not by taking action without court’s permission.

Sameer Nandwani, an advocate had applied for Tata Tele Services’ plan, offering a handset for Rs 1,000 and monthly payment of Rs 199 ($5) for two years period. But since owning the handset, it had persistent connection problems and battery life was bad. To worsen the matter, Nandwani received excessive bills. His complaint to the company went in vain. Nandwani was sent a bill for Rs 2,000 ($46) and his outgoing calls were barred when he asked the company to discontinue the connection on introduction of the new, unsuitable plan.

Nandwani complained about his problems, and started getting threatening calls on behalf of the company from people claiming to be advocates and recovery agents. This prompted him to file a police complaint.

The company contended that Nandwani was supposed to pay Rs 2,000 ($46) and hand back the handset. The plea was dismissed as the clause was not mentioned in the contract and the consumer was not made aware of this condition.

The judge ruled that ‘Such conduct is unfair trade practice.’ X