SUB URBAN DIVN BHIWANI Vs. DHANPAT SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Haryana State Electricity Board appeals against the order of the District Forum, Bhiwani allowing the complaint of the respondent and directing the release of an electricity connection in his favour.

(2.) In the complaint it was the case set up by the consumer that he had applied for an electricity connection on a priority basis under the money deposit scheme of the Board. In pursuance of the said application and on the express direction of the Sub Divisional Officer, Jui of the appellant- Board he duly deposited a sum of Rs.5,000/- for getting the connection released. The firm allegation was that under the rules or practice the Electricity Board was bound to release the connection expeditiously within a period of one month from the deposit of the amount. The firm allegation also was that a seniority list of the applicants for priority connection was duly prepared in which the name of the complainant figured at Serial No.17. However to the respondent's consternation the connection was released to persons far below him in the said seniority list at Serial Nos.18 and 24 whilst the same was denied to him arbitrarily despite the acceptance of the requisite amount. Relief to the tune of Rs.1,65,000/- was claimed, apart from the release of the electricity connection.

(3.) The appellant-Board in its reply admitted the broad matrix of facts alleged in the complaint. It was not disputed that the complainant had duly applied and deposited the requisite amount and in the seniority list he was at No.17. The specious plea, however, was that subsequently some time in March, 1993 it was decided to release the low tension connection to persons below the respondent at Serial Nos.18 and 24 but he was denied the same on the ground that his application was of the high tension category. The allegations of financial loss were controverted.