MASRRAT BEG Vs. CHAIRMAN M P ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Above appeal and cross appeal are being disposed of by a common order as both arise from order dated 14.2.1996 of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Raisen in Complaint No.13/ 95.

(2.) We do not intend to go into the merit of these appeal and cross appeal. Perusal of the order-sheet reveals that the original complaint case in the District Forum was heard by the President and two Members of the Forum, while the final order does not have the signature of the President. It is also seen that President has not passed any separate order differing from the Members. It is a well settled law that the Bench hearing the case must sign the final order and in the absence of the signature of the President the order is devoid of legal sanctity. We, therefore, set aside the impugned order dated 14.2.1996 of District Forum, Raisen and we remand the case to the District Forum, Raisen for disposal on merit as per the law and procedure after giving full opportunity to both parties to adduce such evidence as they may choose. Both parties are further directed to present themselves before the District Forum on 11.5.1998 to obtain further dates of hearing in this remanded case. No order as to costs.