P.D. Shenoy, Member—The issue involved in this case is whether a complaint can be decided by the Consumer Fora after an arbitration award is already passed. The simple answer to this question is No.

2. M/s Kangra Ex-serviceman Transport Company complainant/respondent No. 1 purchased a new bus financed through M/s S.K. and Co. National Highway Kangra opposite party No. 2/Respondent No. 2 for

Rs. 3,75,000/- under hire purchase agreement. Respondent No. 1 had to repay the amount alongwith interest totalling Rs. 5,66,250/- within a period of three years commencing from 1.1.1995. It is the say of respondent No. 1 that it had paid all the installments and got a ‘No Objection Certificate’ for cancellation of the endorsement of hire purchase agreement which the registering authority had done vide order dated 19.4.2000. Suddenly on 27.5.2000 the petitioner who was opposite party No. 1 seized the vehicle. The respondent No. 1 filed a complaint before the District Forum praying for directions to the petitioner to return the bus and pay Rs. 2000/- per day from 27.5.2000 till the return of the bus with 18% interest and also compensation to the tune of Rs. 50,000/- for mental harassment and