BSES RAJDHANI POWER LIMITED Vs. LAKSHMI DEVI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) - Ms. Lakshmi Devi, the complainant, purchased two Plots, bearing House Nos. 77-A and 78, from one, Sh. Subhash Chander, on 12.1.2006. Before purchasing the said plots, she approached the BSES Rajdhani Power Limited, the OP, and made inquiry for the outstanding bills, if any, against the said premises. During the arguments, it transpired that the complainant, as a matter of fact, asked the Seller to pay off the electricity bill and only in that event, she would purchase the house. Accordingly, the OP issued a bill in the sum of Rs. 1,78,922. The said bill was paid by the previous owner, Sh. Subhash Chander.

(2.) After satisfying herself that she has a clear and free title, she applied for a new connection, on 19.9.2006, i.e., after the purchase of the said house. This time, the OP came with another demand. They asked her to pay a sum of Rs. 1,42,186 because the said bill related to direct theft of electricity for an amount of Rs. 1,15,805. The complainant was asked to pay a sum of Rs. 1,42,186 for the theft bill or the bill consumed by her predecessor-in-interest.

(3.) In the meantime, the complainant filed a complaint before the District Forum. During the pendency of the complaint case, the complainant had to cough off a sum of Rs. 92,000 against the theft bill of Rs. 1,15,805. The District Forum passed an interim order that subject to deposit of Rs. 92,000, the complainant be granted electricity connection.