ORDER

1. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner.

2. Admittedly, there was negligence on the part of the Passport Officer in not signing the passport at the time of its issuance. Visa was also issued on the said passport. The complainant reached the Bombay Airport for her onward journey to Dubai. At the airport, this lacuna came to light and the airport authorities asked her to go back and, hence, she lost the opportunity of going abroad which was sponsored by the company. Hence, the complaint.

3. On the basis of the said passport, if the complainant had travelled outside the country, she would have been found guilty for various offences. Hence, instead of travelling, she was required to approach the District Forum for this deficiency and negligence on the part of the concerned officer. The District Forum allowed the complaint in part and directed the petitioner to pay compensation of Rs.10,000 and costs of Rs. 2,000 to the complainant. Against that order, the petitioner preferred Appeal before the State Commission, Maharashtra. The State Commission appreciated the evidence after verifying the passport, which was found to be without signature of the Passport Officer, and dismiss