SOHAN SINGH BULLAR Vs. PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an appeal against the order dated 23.10.1998 of District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Patiala (hereinafter called the District Forum ). The District Forum vide its above said order directed the opposite parties to make payment of an amount of 8,582/- with interest @ 7% per annum to the complainant. Both the parties are aggrieved against the order of the District Forum and have preferred appeal against that order. The complainant claims in his appeal (No.1251 of 1998) that respondents/opposite parties be directed to pay commercial rate of interest and costs. On the other hand, the opposite parties have questioned the legality of the order of the District Forum itself.

(2.) Undisputed facts are that the complainant deposited an amount of Rs.8,582/- for tube-well connection under A. R. P. C. scheme. Electric connection was installed as per the request of the complainant. As per the scheme the deposited amount was to carry interest @ 7% per annum and the amount was to be adjusted against the consumption of electric bills/power bills for the tube-well. Some time after the amount was deposited and the electric connection for the tube-well was given, electric supply for the tube-well was made free. The amount, thus, was required to be refunded back to the complainant. When the opposite parties did not refund the amount due, the complaint was filed for refund on the basis that the denial of refund by the opposite parties to the complainant amounted to deficiency in rendering service. Interest, costs etc. were also claimed in the complaint.

(3.) After going through the relevant record and the order of the District Forum, we find that the objections taken by the opposite parties before the District Forum for not releasing an amount of Rs.8,582/- alongwith interest etc. are not tenable.