(1.) In this case, the dispute relates to a telephone bill dated 1.7.1994 in respect of telephone No.694 of the complainant. The bill was for Rs.3,170/-. According to the complainant, this bill is excessive and not in accordance with the phone calls made by him. His case is that all his bimonthly bills would not exceed Rs.2,000/- excepting one bill dated 1.5.1994 which was for a sum of Rs.782/- which amount he has paid. He would submit that the excess bill must be due to fault in the meter or billing. He informed about it to the opposite party Telecom District Engineer, but there was no reply. Therefore he has filed this complaint alleging deficiency in service on the part of the opposite party contending that they are liable to refund the excess amount paid by him for the bill dated 1.7.1994 alongwith interest @ 18% per annum and also a compensation of Rs.10,000/-.
(2.) The opposite parties contended that the complainant never raised any dispute regarding the disputed bill and there was no defect in the meter nor was there any excess billing and there was no deficiency in service on their part. Hence the complaint was liable to be dismissed.
(3.) The District Forum, on consideration of the pleadings and evidence, came to the conclusion that the bill in question must be excessive and not in accordance with the phone calls made by the complainant. Thus holding, it directed the opposite party to refund a sum of Rs.2,925/- together with a compensation of Rs.2,000/- and also costs of Rs.500/-.