AJMER VIDYUT VITRAN NIGAM LTD. Vs. SALAMUDIN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In this revision, challenge is to the order dated 7.3.2007 of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Rajasthan, Jaipur dismissing appeal against the order dated 4.3.1999 of a District Forum whereby debit entry of Rs. 24,827.77 made in the respondents account by the petitioner-Corporation was cancelled.

(2.) Respondent had obtained electric connection from the petitioner. He had hired the meter from the petitioner to measure the consumption of electricity. Meter stopped some time in March, 1994 and was changed in June, 1997. For the intervening period from March 1994 to June 1997, the respondent was billed for the minimum charges which he deposited. Respondent was found to be liable to pay difference of Rs. 24,327.77 by the audit party. Accordingly, bill was issued which the respondent challenged by filing complaint which was contested by the petitioner. Petitioner alleged that on pointing out of the audit party said amount had been rightly debited on average basis in the account of the respondent for the aforesaid period from March 1994 to June 1997.

(3.) The District Forum had accepted the complaint holding the petitioner to be deficient in service for not having replaced the stopped meter for a period of over 3 years. Thus, according to the Forum amount of Rs. 24,327.77 could not have been debited in the account of the respondent. In appeal by the petitioner this finding was affirmed by the State Commission.