R S E B Vs. TEJ SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Both these appeals between the same parties were heard together. These are now being disposed by this combined order.

(2.) Shri Tej Singh, the complainant in both the appeals, is a senior citizen aged about 75 years. He is, admittedly, the consumer of the services of the Rajasthan State Electricity Board (RSEB) in respect to his electric connection for domestic purposes. His common grievance in his Complaint Nos.2075 of 1998 (Appeal No.159/2001) and 411/1999 (Appeal No.307/2000) was in respect to the later receipt of the bills for the months of October, 1998 (Appeal No.159/2001) and February, 1999 (Appeal No.307/2000 ). His contention was that the said bills did not give clear 12 days to him to deposit the amounts mentioned therein and thus late delivery of the bills amounted to deficiency in service on the part of the RSEB, which is the sole supplier of electric energy in the State of Rajasthan.

(3.) In both the complaints the District Forum held that late delivery of the bill, not giving clear 12 days for depositing the amount by the complainant, amounted to deficiency in service. But whereas the District Forum dismissed Complaint No.2075/1998 (Appeal No.159/2001) vide order dated 3.11.2000 on the ground that no damage was caused to the complainant by late delivery of the bill for October, 1998, it allowed complainant's Complaint No.411/99 with cost at Rs.500/- vide its order dated 3.1.2000. The complainant is, therefore, in appeal before us against the order of dismissal of his complaint and the RSEB is in appeal against the order of awarding costs to the complainant. Heard both the sides.