CHHATTISGARH STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD Vs. HARVINDER AGRAWAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal, under Sec.15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 , whereby the order dated 19.2.2004 in Complaint No.74/01 by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Sarguja, Ambikapur (hereinafter called the 'district Forum' for short) has been put under challenge.

(2.) Indisputably, the complainant/respondent herein, is the proprietor of Jagdamba Rice Mill situated at Lakanpur, Sarguja. He had obtained an electric service connection No.98062/4 from the appellant Electricity Board.

(3.) The complainant averred that the electric meter installed in his premises got burnt and, therefore, he was paying average electric bill in the past. It was further averred that the appellants served him with an additional bill for Rs.1,97,471-60 paise on 15.7.2000 on the allegation of excess electric consumption in the mill, by the complainant/respondent. The complainant averred that the said bill is excessive and has been served on him without justification. It is also averred that appellant Electricity Board has no right to recover arrears bills for a period of more than 6 months. The complainant, therefore, prayed that bill dated 15.7.2000 for Rs.1,97,471-60 paise be cancelled and compensation of Rs.2,000 be awarded to him.