RAMJI GUPTA Vs. M P STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 against the order dated 10.10.2006 passed in C.C. No. 97/2006 by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Satna (hereinafter Forum).

(2.) The case in brief is that the complainant (appellant here) filed an application before the Forum under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 alleging deficiency in service on the part of the opposite party (respondent here) as the letter sent to him in December 2005, an unusually inflated bill of Rs. 4,690 showing present meter reading of 921 and consumption of 762 units whereas previously his monthly bills were much less showing consumption of about 30-40 units only. On his complaint, his meter was replaced on 18.2.2006 and the previous meter was sent for testing wherein it was found to be running faster by 30%. Accordingly, in the accumulated bill in question the total consumption was reduced by 240 units and he was asked to pay Rs. 5,460. After hearing both the parties the Forum rejected the application on the ground that the bill in question had already been reduced as per test report of the meter and that the complainant failed to establish that his monthly consumption was only about 15 units. This order has been challenged here in this appeal.

(3.) It is an admitted fact that ever since the appellant had taken connection sometime in September-October 2004, the bill for December 2005 was the highest showing meter reading of 921 over the previous reading of 159. On his complaint when the meter was sent for testing, it was found to defective - running 30% faster and hence it was rejected and a new meter was installed. The only question for determination is whether in the instant case it is enough that the bill in question is reduced by 30% or that the appellant is entitled to more relief.