Consumer -- Award of Damages -- Requires Trustworthy Evidence, Not Photocopies of Unproven Documents; Compensation Cannot Rest on Presumptions in Absence of Cross-Examination
Under the Consumer Protection Act, substantial damages cannot be awarded on presumptions or photocopies of unproven documents. While the Evidence Act does not strictly apply, natural justice mandates opportunity for cross-examination when authenticity is denied. Damages require trustworthy and reliable evidence, not whims and fancies of complainant. Documents vague, undated, or on plain paper without examination of authors do not inspire confidence for crores of rupees in claims.
