LAWS(NCD)-2004-5-123

RSRTC Vs. RAJESH KUMAR PANDA

Decided On May 11, 2004
RSRTC Appellant
V/S
RAJESH KUMAR PANDA Respondents

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this case the grievance of the respondent complainant was that although he had applied for sanction of an electric connection to him as early as on 15.3.1994 and had also deposited the demanded amount on 13.4.1994 but an electric connection was released to him as late as on 11.5.1996. The case of the appellant was that the respondent has submitted the L form on 12.9.1993 and that in the month of February, when the transformer was taken to his field he himself had requested the appellant not to install the transformer as it may spoil the standing crop. The D. F. did not believe the version of the appellant and held that by releasing the electric connection with undue delay, the appellant had rendered deficient services to the respondent and awarded a sum of Rs.10,000 as compensation for loss of agricultural products and mental agony and Rs.500 as cost of litigation. Hence this appeal by the Board.

(2.) It was vehemently urged by the learned Counsel for the appellant that since the respondent had himself prayed for not installing the transformer in the month of February, 96 as some copy was standing in the field, the same was not provided to him at that point of time. Such version has rightly been rejected by the D. F. as being unsatisfactory.

(3.) It is a matter of common knowledge that electric connections to a number of needy persons are provided from the same transformer. Before removing the transformer to the place where it is to be installed, the place is physically and locally inspected by the officer concerned and then the transformer is taken to the place. Apart from that an agriculturist is always interested in getting the transformer installed so that the agricultural connection may be released to him and he may irrigate his crop. An agriculturist would necessarily prefer for irrigating his standing crop instead of delaying the installation of the transformer on the ground of loss of few plants in the fields.