SADHU RAM Vs. VAKIL CHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal under Sec.15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 (for short, 'the Act') has been filed by the opposite party-appellant against the order dated September 23, 1991, passed by the District Forum, Bathinda, in complaint case No.95 of 17-7-1991. The District Forum by the impugned order has directed the opposite party to release the gas connection to the complainant forthwith and to pay Rs.200/- by way of compensation for the harassment suffered by him,

(2.) In view of the short point involved in this appeal, it is not necessary to recount the facts in detail. Suffice it to state that the complainant-respondent made a complaint before the District Forum alleging therein that he had made an application alongwith the requisite affidavits duly attested by the Oath Commissioner, requesting I he opposite party (gas agency) to release gas connection to him but it paid no heed to his request. It was alleged that the opposite party refused to release the gas connection because the complainant could not satisfy the demand of illegal gratification raised by it. The complainant also prayed for the grant of compensation for the harassment suffered by him. The opposite party resisted the complaint. It controverted the averments made in the complaint. It was submitted that the consumers were not harassed by the opposite party. Alter considering the complaint and the version of the case and other relevant circumstances which were brought to its notice, the District Forum passed the order as aforesaid on 23-9-1991. Hence, this appeal.

(3.) We have heard Mr. P. C. Singla learned Counsel for the opposite party-appellant and Mr. Vakil Chand complainant and also perused the record with requisite care.