Consumer forum asks Study Ideas Pvt Ltd to pay Rs. 1 Lakh to Hyderabad student for admission failure

HYDERABAD: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission ordered Study Ideas Pvt Ltd to compensate the Hyderabad student with Rs. 1 lakh and return Rs. 44, 841 for negligence and failure in giving get admission, despite guarantees.

The complainant, Rohan Bobbili (24), a resident of Ashok Nagar in Hyderabad, holding an undergraduate degree in Bachelor of Commerce from Osmania University in Distance Education mode, sought assistance from Study Idea Pvt. Ltd. to pursue higher education in Canada.

Rohan approached the consultancy and purchased the ‘standard pack’ for ‘Canadian Admission Service’ and paid a fees of Rs. 42,441 on November 12, 2022. The standard package included services and assistance for admission into a Canadian university, visa documentation, and delivery of service within a period of 31 days.

Promising seamless admission into prestigious universities, the consultancy assured Rohan of securing admission for summer intake-2023 or fall intake-2023.

However, Rohan's experience with the consultancy proved disappointing.

Rohan submitted all required documents, including academic credentials and passport, as per the consultancy's request in November and December of 2022. Despite timely submission, Rohan alleged that the officer responsible for the application process failed to provide adequate guidance and timely responses.

Despite paying for services and providing necessary documents, including academic degrees, passport, IELTS score, and statement of purpose, the consultancy failed to fulfill its commitments.

Delays in filing admission applications, inadequate communication, and negligence in providing crucial information on alternative courses left Rohan anxious about his academic future.

Rohan filed a complaint with the consumer forum, seeking redressal after the consultant failed to get admission to preferred colleges and lacked transparency in the refund processes.

The court noted that Rohan, seeking admission for the 'summer intake-2023' or 'fall intake-2023' at Canadian institutions, provided all necessary documentation as per the consultancy's requirements. However, the firm's delay in filing applications for the University of Regina and the University of Windsor, as well as the failure to explore alternative options, resulted in missed deadlines and dashed hopes for the applicant.

The court also noted that disappointed and frustrated Rohan visited the consultancy office seeking a refund, as assured within 90 days of registering a complaint. Despite repeated inquiries and the expiration of the stipulated refund period, no reimbursement was provided by the firm.

With no evidence presented by the consultancy to refute the allegations, the court ruled in favor of Rohan Bobbili.

The court ordered that the Study Ideas Pvt Ltd consultancy must refund the collected amount of Rs.44,841 with 12 percent interest from the date of payment until realisation. Additionally, the court asked the consultancy to pay Rs.1,00,000 in compensation for the mental anguish and anxiety caused by the firm's inadequate service, along with Rs.5,000 towards the cost of the complaint.