BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LTD Vs. RAVINDER KUMAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This revision is directed against the order dated 28.4.2004 of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Punjab, Chandigarh dismissing appeal against the order dated 24.2.2004 of a District Forum whereby petitioner/opposite party Nigam was directed to pay amount of Rs. 5,000 by way of compensation for mental agony, etc. for having disconnected the telephone connection, to the respondent/complainant.

(2.) Facts giving rise to this revision lie in narrow compass. Respondent was having telephone number 276148 installed by the petitioner Nigam. Respondent alleged that though he has been paying the bills regularly still the telephone connection was disconnected illegally on 20.2.2003 without serving any notice and on approaching the petitioner, he was told that he had stood surety for Rakesh Kumar, another telephone subscriber and as Rakesh Kumar had not paid telephone charges, his telephone was disconnected. Complaint filed by the respondent seeking certain reliefs, was contested by the petitioner. It was alleged that Rakesh Kumar was granted STC PCO No. 65846. Respondent who stood surety for him, had undertaken by executing a bond before the Executing Magistrate that in case of non-payment of dues by the said PCO holder, he shall be responsible for all his dues. The respondent defaulted in making payment of Rs. 13,013 due from Rakesh Kumar despite notice dated 20.1.2003 sent by registered post and, therefore, his telephone connection was disconnected on 18.2.2003.

(3.) We have heard Mr. Dinesh Agnani for petitioner. Despite service of notice no one is present for the respondent.