MUNICIPAL COUNCIL Vs. SANT RAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is an appeal received by transfer from Punjab State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission against order of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Ferozepur (for short hereinafter to be referred as District Forum) dated 12. 12. 2003 in complaint case No. 498 of 2003, Sant Ram v. Municipal Council, Ferozepur and Another.

(2.) BRIEFLY stated the case of the Complainant is that the Complainant has a municipal water tap, which was not giving proper water supply and on the advice of the OP, he installed Horse Power electric motor to improve the water supply for which the Complainant deposited the necessary fee with the OP and also spent substanial amount for installation of this motor in 1992-1993. However, even after the installation of the motor, supply of water did not improve and hence, through this complaint, the Complainant has prayed for a direction to the OP to provide water supply to his house and has also sought a compensation of Rs. 5,000 for mental agony and physical harassment.

(3.) THE version of OP No. 1 is that water charges, surcharge, meter charge and water cess amounting to Rs. 2,941 is outstanding agains the Complainant w. e. f. 1. 4. 2001 to 30. 9. 2003 i. e. the time at which the complaint was instituted. It is further the case of OP that maintenance of the water supply is the duty of OP No. 2 i. e. SDO, Water Supply who is collecting water bills from the Complainant.