STATE OF ORISSA vs DIVNL. MANAGER, L.I.C.

The Supreme Court held that under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, a government servant cannot claim damages for services rendered free of charge, as defined in Section 2(1)(o) of the Act. The Court clarified that the exclusion of 'services free of charge' applies to the respondent, who was a government employee, thus barring his claim under the Act. The appeal was allowed, and the respondent was directed to seek remedies in an appropriate forum, if any.