TELEPHONE DEPARTMENT Vs. MAHESH SAHNI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal against the order dated 24.8.2000 passed by the District Forum, Haridwar whereby the learned Forum directed the appellant Telephone Department to connect the telephone of the complainant and to issue him fresh bills and to take the payment. The learned Forum also directed to pay a compensation of Rs.2,000/- to the complainant and recommended for action against the erring employees.

(2.) The brief facts of the case are that the complainant Sh. Mahesh Sahni has taken a Telephone No.74185. The bill always ranged from between Rs.200/- to Rs.350/-. For the period from 15.11.1996 to 15.1.1997 there was a bill of Rs.9,452/-. The complainant was surprised to get it. He made a complaint to the SDO (Telephones) on 12.2.1997 and asked for inquiry. When he did not get reply, he made a complaint to the District Manager, Saharanpur on 5.3.1997 but no inquiry was made. He also submitted the copies of his earlier bills but no action was taken. His telephone was disconnected on 30.3.1997. He has suffered a loss of Rs.10,000/-.

(3.) The opposite party filed written statement and alleged that it is incorrect to say that the bill of the complainant always ranged from Rs.250/- to Rs.350/- only. On 1.4.1995 there was a bill of Rs.407/- and on 1.8.1995 there was a bill of Rs.773/-. The complainant made the payment without any objection and the bills were issued according to meter reading. Regarding the bill from 15.11.1996 to 15.1.1997, it is alleged that there was an inquiry and it was found that there was no defect in the meter of the complainant besides STD facility has always been used by the complainant. Since the bill was not deposited, the Telephone Department was authorised to disconnect the telephone.