ACCOUNTS OFFICER Vs. P SARDAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WE do not see any merit in this appeal. From the records produced, it is quite apparent that the Telephone Department has been issuing bills for higher amount namely inflated amounts consistently and consecutively. It is also established that on receipt of such bills, the subscriber made representation in writing to the telephone department who after verifying the same and after being satisfied with the legitimacy of the representation have later sent revised bills namely for lesser amounts. In other words, they corrected their mistake and sent bills only for the units consumed. Therefore, in such circumstances, there is no doubt that the opposite parties have committed deficiency in service.

(2.) NOW coming to the question of damages and refund ordered by the Lower Forum, we do not see find any flaw. The damages awarded by the Lower Forum is quite in order. It is either arbitrary nor high. It has taken into consideration the plight of a subscriber placed in such circumstances and the agony to which he would have been put to. As regards the direction for refund, there cannot be any two views about the same since the opposite party is bound to refund the amount. As regards the direction given to the complainant to pay certain amounts due as claimed in the bills towards payment of the bill and for reconnection, there cannot be any quarrel over the same.

(3.) THEREFORE , in such circumstances, we do not see any reason to interefere with the order passed by the Lower Forum.