W B S E B Vs. BABAR ALI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Respondent appears in person and argues this case. The appellant is present through his Counsel. Heard both sides. The appellant takes objection to the cancellation of bills for the period from September, 1998 to November, 1998 on the ground that this cancellation is not permissible under the Law. Learned Counsel for the appellant submits that the Forum was also not justified in directing raising of revised bill for the aforesaid period on the basis of 70 units per month. The respondent who appears in person submits that they are in occupation of only two thatched rooms and consumption of electricity is not to the extent as it is claimed in the bill for the months in question. He submits that he is an unemployed person and dependent only upon the earning of his father who has also retired from service. He submits further that a defective meter was supplied to his house initially but later it was replaced by a new one. But the Board went on raising inflated bills. In view of the respective cases of the parties and having considered all the aspects of the matter we think it appropriate to pass the following order.

(2.) The disputed bill for the period from September, 1998 to November, 1998 be referred to CEI, West Bengal for adjudication. In the meantime the respondent would make payment of 25% of the total outstanding bills within a period of 3 months from the date of this order, through the learned Counsel for the appellant presses for payment of the outstanding amount in full. Anyway, we are not prepared to accept the request of the appellant. The decision of the CEI, West Bengal would be binding upon the parties and the respondent is directed to observe usual formalities for making a reference to the C. E. I. , West Bengal within one month from this date. The appeal be disposed of. The C. E. I. , West Bengal will try to dispose of the case preferably within six months from the date of communication of this order.