SUB-DIVISIONAL OFFICER UHBVNL Vs. SURINDER PAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) -THIS revision is directed against the order dated 17. 11. 1999 of Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission Haryana, Chandigarh modifying part of the order dated 12. 4. 1999 of a District Forum and reducing the amount of compensation from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 3,000. The District Forum had allowed the complaint quashing the penalty of Rs. 1,66,757 imposed by the petitioner and awarding Rs. 10,000 as compensation to the respondent.

(2.) FACTS giving rise to this revision lie in a narrow compass. Respondent/complainant purchased some land from one Lekh Raj Tyagi in the year 1996 and soon after he applied for transfer of the electricity connection which was installed on the land, in his name for running the tubewell. Electricity connection was transferred in the name of respondent with sanctioned limit of 7. 5 BHP. Respondent had been making payment on flat rate. On 22. 10. 1998, the vigilance team of the petitioner/opposite party visited the land of the respondent and on inspection, excess load of 12. 840 KVA was found connected, checking report was prepared which was got signed from two persons belonging to the respondent present at the time of inspection. A rough sketch plan of illegal surplus load wiring from the tubewell to the constructed residential portion was prepared and photographs also taken. Report of theft of electricity too was lodged with the local police. Notice dated 23. 10. 1998 was issued imposing penalty of Rs. 1,66,757 as per the Rules by the petitioner. This demand was challenged by the respondent by filing complaint which was contested by the petitioner. The operative portion of the District Forum's order which is material, reads thus :

(3.) IN appeal by the petitioner the amount of compensation was reduced from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 3,000 and rest of the order was maintained.