Mr. B.K. Taimni, Member—Appellant was opposite party before the State Commission where the respondent/complainant had filed a complaint alleging deficiency in service on the part of the appellant.

2. Facts leading to filing of complaint was that the complainant was a subscriber to ‘Kuri’ for which, under agreed arrangement, he was paying his contribution on daily collection basis. In a draw held on 27.12.1999 the complainant was the winner of prize amount of Rs. 10 lakhs, but was denied the prize on the ground that the complainant has been a defaulter from 9th instalment, thus forfeiting his right to the prize. It is in these circumstances that the complainant filed complaint before the State Commission, who after hearing the parties held the appellant deficient in rendering service and directing the appellants to pay the prize money, on the complainant executing necessary bond and producing the security. Complainant was also awarded cost of Rs. 2,000/-. Aggrieved by this order the appellant has filed this appeal before us.

3. The sole point argued by the learned Counsel for the appellant was on the question of jurisdiction of the Consumer Forums to entertain complaints relating