Delhi Consumer Commission Rules: Payment Must Be Made Even Beyond Credit Limit

New Delhi: The Delhi State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DSCDRC) has clarified that consumers are obligated to pay for the services they use. Exceeding the credit limit does not constitute a “shortfall in service,” the commission stated.

The clarification came while dismissing an appeal against a District Consumer Commission’s decision. The district panel had earlier rejected a complaint against Bharti Airtel.

The Complaint:
The complainant alleged that the telecom service provider demanded payment without providing detailed billing for over ₹1.4 lakh and simultaneously suspended mobile services. The complainant claimed this should be considered a deficiency in service.

The bench, comprising Commission President Justice Sangeeta Dhingra Sehgal and Judicial Member Pinky, dismissed Advocate Siddharth Dutta’s appeal on January 19, upholding the District Commission’s ruling from April 24, 2019.

The Company’s Argument:
Airtel argued that the credit limit is only an indicator of expected monthly usage. Any usage beyond the limit must be paid for in full.

The case dates back to 2012, when Airtel had suspended the complainant’s mobile services after the credit limit was exceeded. A bill of ₹1,40,100 was generated for the additional usage, which remained unpaid. The District Commission noted that the complainant had requested international roaming services and used Airtel’s services but later claimed he was not liable to pay for them due to lack of knowledge of the tariff.

The Delhi State Consumer Commission’s ruling reaffirms that consumers must pay for services consumed, even if they exceed the prescribed credit limit.