DELHI VIDYUT BOARD Vs. KRISHNA DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against order dated 22.3.2002 passed by District Forum, Janak Puri, New Delhi in Complaint Case No.526/2001-entitled Smt. Krishna Devi V/s. Delhi Vidyut Board.

(2.) The brief facts, leading to the filing of the present appeal are that the respondent in response to the Voluntary Declaration Scheme floated by the appellant in the year 1995 had applied for enhancement of load in respect of his electric connection bearing K. No. MN 007-61615-17-2112 2460/2 B. The respondent had also deposited a sum of Rs.15,113/- on 19.1.1996 for enhancement of load from the existing sanctioned load of 1 KW to 11 KW. However, the appellant failed to enhance the load and on the other hand sent a bill in the month of December, 2000 for Rs.1,72,120/- payable by 13.2.2001. The said bill reflected arrears of Rs.1,28,116.14 p. and LPC charges for Rs.36,422/- whereas the respondent had not received any bill prior to the said bill. As such the respondent was constrained to file a complaint before the District Forum praying for the quashing of the said bill raised illegally, as well as, for refund of Rs.15,113/- deposited by her for getting the load enahnced together with interest. The respondent had also prayed for compensation of Rs.1,00,000/- and cost of the proceedings.

(3.) The defence of the O. P. in its reply/written version filed before the District Forum was that the respondent had herself admitted the fact that she was using 11 KW of load against the sanctioned load of 1 KW and she had also given an undertaking, as well as, declaration in the application for enhancement of load to the said effect and, therefore, there was no deficiency in service on its part, in raising the bill on the basis of the enhanced load.