Mr. Justice A.L. Bahri, President—The present appeal is by Punjab and Sind Bank challenging order of the District Forum, Ludhiana dated December 19, 1997 whereby direction was given to the appellant Bank to pay token compensation of Rs. 5,000/- to the complainant B.H.S. Money Corporation.

2. Since on facts there is no dispute, thus, they are summarised as arising out of pleadings of the parties. The complainant B.H.S. Money Corporation is engaged in the business of lending money on interest (a financial corporation). The complainant is having a bank account with Vijya Bank, Mata Rani Chowk, Branch Ludhiana. One of the customers of the complainant gave a cheque for Rs. 40,000/- in favour of the complainant on June 6, 1996. The same was given to their Banker Vijya Bank for collection and credit in their account. Vijya Bank, for clearance, handed over the cheque to the agent of Punjab and Sind Bank in the clearing house. The cheque was drawn on Punjab and Sind Bank, Extension Counter, Khalsa College for Women, Ludhiana No. X-910. The cheque was returned un-encashed by Punjab and Sind Bank, Extension Counter, G.G.N. Khalsa College, Ludhiana, Extension No. X 1013. Subsequently the c