KRISHNA MURARI A.G.M (SAIL) RETD. SALEMPUR ROAD, CHAPRA Vs. NORTH BIHAR POWER DISTRIBUTION CO. LTD. THROUGH EXECUTIVE ENGINEER(ELECT) URBAN, RAJENDRA SAROVER, CHAPRA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By this order we propose to decide the above noted revision petitions arising out of the impugned order dated 03-08-2015 of the State Commission, Bihar in First Appeal No.58 of 2015.

(2.) Briefly put, facts relevant for the disposal of the revision petitions are that Mr. Kirshna Murari filed a consumer complaint in District Forum, Saran at Chapra alleging that he is a consumer of the opposite party having 1 KW electricity connection No.17372. In May, 2007 the electricity meter pertaining to the said connection developed defect. A formal complaint in writing was made to the electrical engineer on 28-05-2007. However, the opposite party failed to take any action to replace the meter. The meter, however, was replaced on 26-04-2014. It is the case of the complainant although the electricity meter was defective in Sept., 2013 an erroneous electricity bill indicating consumption of 7831 units upto Aug., 2013 was issued in the month of Sept., 2013. The complainant protested against the aforesaid bill and requested for correction but in vain. Claiming this to be deficiency consumer complaint was filed by the complainant seeking direction to the opposite party to rectify the electricity bill issued for the month of Sept., 2013 as per rules besides the complainant claimed monetary compensation to the tune of Rs.3,54,575.00. The complainant also prayed for scrapping of the belated payment in respect of defective bill and also the stay against the disconnection of electricity connection.

(3.) The opposite party contested the claim by filing written statement. The stand taken by the opposite party is that on 18-12-2013 an inspection of electricity connection of the complainant was done by the Assistant Electrical Engineer and it was found that as against the sanctioned electricity connection for 1 Kw the complainant was using the load of 4 Kw. The allegation pertaining to the defect in meter was denied and it was pleaded that bill in question was rightly raised. It was also pleaded that meter of the complainant was replaced on 26-04-2014 and that the electricity connection was disconnected on 26-08-2014 and at that time the meter reading was 993 KWH.