T P SINGH SODHI Vs. CENTRAL COALFIELD LTD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal has been directed by opposite parties against order dated 26.5.2000 passed by Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum-Kaithal, Haryana (hereinafter to be referred as District Consumer Forum), vide which the complaint of respondent Bhushan Lal (complainant) was accepted and the amount of Rs.35,633 demanded by the appellants from the respondent was quashed. It was further ordered that if any amount was paid by the respondent, then the same be adjusted in his account in the future bills.

(2.) Briefly stated the facts are that the respondent (complainant) is permanent resident of Kaithal and is having electricity connection bearing No. KC-25/6371 at his residential premises. He had been depositing all the bills issued by the appellants regarding energy consumed by him regularly without any delay.

(3.) It was averred that on 13.7.1998, officials of the appellant visited his premises and checked the meter as well as connection installed at his residence and seals on the meter were intact but the officials of appellants alleged that the meter seals had been tampered with and in fact the allegations made by them were wrong. They even lodged false report regarding theft of electricity energy and further imposed an amount of Rs.35,633 as penalty charges for alleged theft which was illegal and contrary to the law.