Mr. Justice J.B. Garg, President—Ranbir Kaur and Dalbir Kaur possessed joint Savings Bank Account No. 18707 in Punjab National Bank, Sector 16, Chandigarh. A sum of Rs. 39,925/was disbursed to them by means of voucher by Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Chandigarh on 18.7.91. This voucher was presented by the aforesaid two ladies to the Punjab National Bank, Sector 16, Chandigarh for collection and crediting to their Savings Bank Account. It appears that the voucher was lost either in transit or at the premises of the main office of Punjab National Bank, Sector 17, Chandigarh. The amount in question was credited after a delay of 2 years 11 months 20 days on 7.7.94. On a complaint instituted it has been ordered by the District Forum, Union Territory, Chandigarh on 11.10.96 that the complainants are entitled to interest @ 18% p.a. for the aforesaid period of delay. Aggrieved against it, the present appeal has been attempted.

2. On behalf of the appellant it has been argued that there was no wilful delay because the voucher was lost either in transit or at the premises of main office of the appellant-Bank. On behalf of the respondents it has been told that Col. G.S. Gill, retired b