Judgment :

Leave granted.

This appeal is directed against order dated 10th April, 2007 passed by the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (for short "the National Commission") whereby it dismissed the appeal preferred by the appellant against the order dated 3.4.2002 of the Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (for short "the State Commission") for award of interest @18% to the complainant-respondent on an amount of Rs.9.85 lakhs.

A perusal of the record shows that while he was working as clerk at Chengannur branch of Federal Bank Limited (for short "the bank"), the complainant-respondent introduced one Mr. M.P. Anil Kumar who opened savings bank account in that branch with account no.12291. On 3.4.2000, the respondent presented a chqeque drawn in his favour by Anil Kumar for a sum of Rs. 9.85 lakhs before Kunchithanni branch of the bank for collection and crediting the same in his account. It is worth mentioning that on the date of issue of cheque, Anil Kumar had less than Rs.150/- in his account. The cheque was sent for collection to Chengannur branch of the bank through M/s. Professional Couriers but the same was lost in transit. The respondent complaine