The proper disposal of undelivered postal articles is a crucial part of the responsibilities of postmen in India Post. Below are the different scenarios under which an article may not be delivered, along with the appropriate course of action.
1. Refused
- Explanation: The addressee refuses to accept the article despite being present.
- Disposal: The article is returned immediately to the sender or the Returned Letter Office (RLO).
2. Not Known
- Explanation: The address exists, but no such addressee resides there or is known in the locality.
- Disposal: The article is kept in deposit for seven days. If unclaimed, it is returned to the sender or RLO.
3. Left India
- Explanation: The addressee has permanently left India without providing instructions for the redirection of mail.
- Disposal: The article is returned immediately to the sender or RLO.
4. Left
- Explanation: The addressee has moved away without leaving forwarding instructions, and no reliable information is available regarding their new address.
- Disposal: The article is kept in deposit for seven days. If unclaimed, it is returned to the sender or RLO.
5. Insufficient Address
- Explanation: The address on the article is incomplete, lacking essential details such as house number, street name, or locality.
- Disposal: The article is returned immediately to the sender or RLO.
6. Unclaimed
- Explanation: A delivery intimation was issued to the addressee, but the article was not collected within the prescribed time.
- Disposal: The article is returned immediately to the sender or RLO.
7. Deceased
- Explanation: The addressee is confirmed to be deceased.
- Disposal: The article is returned immediately to the sender or RLO. However, at the discretion of the postmaster, it may be delivered to a nearby relative if applied for, provided there is no dispute or cross-claim.
8. Redirection
- Explanation: The article is forwarded to the new address as per the addressee’s instructions.
- Disposal: The article is redirected on the same day.
9. Intimation
- Explanation: The addressee is absent, and the premises are found locked at the time of delivery.
- Disposal: The article is kept in deposit for seven days.
Poste Restante (C/o Postmaster) Articles
- Explanation: Articles addressed with “Poste Restante” (Care of Postmaster) are held at the post office for collection.
- Disposal: These articles are kept in deposit for one month, except for Value Payable (VP) articles. If not claimed within this period, they are returned to the sender or RLO.