Mr. Justice Surinder Sarup, President—This appeal is directed against the order of the District Forum, Kangra at Dharamshala, Camp at Nurpur, dated 20.6.2001, whereby holding the appellants guilty of fault for the delay in sending the money order of the respondent as complainant to his son at Bhopal (M.P.) in such a manner that it was delivered after considerable delay, the appellants have been directed to pay Rs. 1,000/- alongwith litigation charges of Rs. 2,000/-.

2. We have heard the learned Counsel for the appellants and the respondent who is present in person. We have also examined the record. The admitted facts are that the money order was sent by the respondent to his son and that it was delivered approximately after two months from the date on which it was received in the concerned Post Office. The learned Counsel for the appellants before us is placing strong reliance on the provisions of Section 48(c) of the Indian Post Office Act, 1898, which reads :

“No suit or other legal proceeding shall be instituted against (the Government) or any officer of the Post Office in respect of—

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(c) the payment of any money order being refused or delayed by or on account of, any