PRADEEP KUMAR JHA Vs. JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The only question raised in this writ petition is regarding the validity and legality of the impugned orders passed by District Consumer Forum, Jamtara as well as State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ranchi.

(2.) The Petitioner's claim was dismissed by learned District Consumer Forum at Jamtara on the ground that the Petitioner's case is barred by principle of res judicata. Reason in support thereof is that the Petitioner has not filed any paper 10 show that the earlier cases were not decided on merit.

(3.) According to the Petitioner, the earlier cases were dismissed for default. The Petitioner's claim at any stage was not decided on merit. It has been further stated that the present claim is based on fresh cause of action and no relief has been sought before the Forum on the basis of the earlier cause of action i.e. of the year 1993 and 1999. Learned State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Ranchi has put its seal on the said impugned order of the District Consumer Forum, Jamtara observing that it is in complete agreement with the view taken by learned District Consumer Forum. It has been further submitted that learned District Consumer Forum passed the impugned order without hearing the Petitioner.