SECRETARY KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Vs. N MANI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is directed against the order of District Forum, Palakkad in O. P.130/92. The Opposite Parties are the appellants.

(2.) It has come out in evidence that the Opposite Parties were not taking periodical meter reading and the bill was given for excess consumption for three years. The amount under excess bill was already paid by the complainant. The National Commission has held that the Electricity Board has a statutory obligation to take meter reading every six months and they cannot issue any bill for excess consumption for a period prior to six months. It is clearly proved that for excess consumption the bill for a period of three years is issued which is not valid under the law. In the circumstances, the District Forum was justified in awarding compensation of Rs.500/-. We do not therefore, find any reason to interfere with the order of the District Forum. The Electricity Board will fix appropriate slab on the basis of actual consumption. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.