Tata Teleservices 'misuses' name of courts to 'harass' consumers in Assam

21 March, 2013

Tata Teleservices has withdrawn services from the Assam circle with effect from January 18, 2013. They had sent an email to many of the customers saying they are shutting down from 18 January. But they did not inform the customers what is to be done with the devices on which they availed their services.

These devices, including the phones, are of no use now. Instead of informing the valued customers through phone calls or newspaper advertisements Tata Teleservices had chosen emails which many are not able to access. Interestingly, many ex- consumers are getting calls from Delhi regarding the bill payment. Consumers must pay their pending bills but they have not able to pay as Tata offices have been closed down. Tata Teleservices Limited could have given public notice but they did not give any.

As consumers and citizens of this country we respect law and orders of the courts. If we get any legal notice from the court then we are ready to reply accordingly or do whatever is needed. But instead of issuing any legal notice they are calling and telling people that they are calling from Tis Hazari Court or other Delhi courts. These people who are engaged by Tata Teleservices Limited are misusing the name of Hon’ble Courts. They are harassing people by saying that legal notices have been sent and they have to come and attend court in Delhi but they also say that if they pay the bills then case would be dismissed.

They are telling ex-consumers that fraud and forgery cases are being registered against them. No customers have received any legal notice in connection with payment of the bills. This citizen journalist , who is also one of the customers, hasn’t received any such notice.

But as some people are engaged in the collection of money in a fraudulent way, I feel as consumer, we reserve the right to know why they are doing this? These people might cheat common Indians with anything in future. I would request all the ex-customers not to panic if they get these kinds of calls. Instead of using a fraudulent way, Tata Teleservices must give public notice/advertisements in newspapers and mention how to pay the bills. At the same time, they must tell us what is to be done with the devices as those were not provided free of cost by Tata. They can take legal action but they must stop fraudulent ways of harassing their ex-consumers.