VIJAY KUMAR Vs. BSNL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Since both these appeals arise from the same order dated 5.2.2004 in Complaint No.118/02 by District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Bilaspur (hereinafter called the 'district Forum' for short) directing the appellant (of Appeal No.93/04) BSNL to pay a sum of Rs.5,000/- as compensation towards deficiency in service on their part, they are being disposed of together.

(2.) The complainant/respondent (in Appeal No.93/04) undisputably obtained a telephone connection No.24789 from the Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd. (hereinafter called 'sanchar Nigam' for short ). A bill for Rs.3,952/- was issued to him by the Sanchar Nigam for the month of February, 2002. The complainant felt that the bill was excessive, hence matter was taken to Telephone Adalat convened by the Sanchar Nigam. The Telephone Adalat upheld the protest of the complainant and directed the Sanchar Nigam to give him rebate of Rs.2,971/-. Thus the bill for the month of February, 2002 stood reduced from Rs.3,952/- to Rs.981/-. A revised bill accordingly was issued by Sanchar Nigam on 24.5.2004. The said bill was undisputedly paid by the complainant after the decision of the Telephone Adalat on 24.5.2004. The complainant there after requested Sanchar Nigam to restore his telephone connection in view of the payment of bill as above. He also submitted an application dated 27.5.2002. However, according to the complainant, restoration of telephone connection did not take place till 1.8.2002 and thus the telephone remained disconnected even after payment of the bill for about 2 months.

(3.) The complainant, therefore, sought redressal by filing the complaint and claimed damages of Rs.10,000/- for the deficiency in service on the part of Sanchar Nigam, as alleged above.