Thiru Justice E.J. Bellie, President—The complainant Arulmighu Dhandayudhapaniswamy Thirukoil, Palani, has deposited large sums of money totaling to Rs. 1,40,64,300/- with the 3rd opposite party Post Master, Palani Post Office from 5.5.1995 to 16.8.1995 all for a period of five years under the Post Office Time Deposit Scheme. While so, a communication dated 1.12.1995 was received from the 3rd opposite party stating that accepting of time deposits had been discontinued from 1.4.1995 and therefore all such deposits should be closed and that it would be so closed without interest. The opposite parties have paid the total amount deposited but have not paid the interest that had accrued on the said sums of deposit which would come to Rs. 9,03,941/- upto 3.1.1996 i.e., the date of complaint. This act of the opposite parties amounts to deficiency in service and unfair trade practice. On the seal legations the complaint has been filed for directing the opposite parties to pay the said interest amount of Rs. 9,03,941/- with further interest and also for damages and compensation.

2. The opposite parties in their written version would contend inter alia that the Government, by a Notificat