Bank delays release of deceased wife's savings to elderly man; ordered to pay Rs 15K

NEW DELHI: A district consumer commission in Kerala has directed Bank of India to pay Rs 10,000 compensation and Rs 5,000 litigation costs to an elderly man after finding deficiency in service and unfair trade practice in the delayed release of his deceased wife's savings. The order was passed on August 31, 2026.Why did the man approach the consumer commission?According to the commission order, the complainant's wife died on September 2, 2022, leaving Rs 62,541 in her savings account with Bank of India's Kuruppampady branch. Their son, who was the nominee, had also died.The complainant approached the bank seeking release of the money and produced the relationship certificate and death certificates. The bank insisted on a legal-heirs certificate, which he obtained on August 5, 2023.