JASWINDER PAL Vs. PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This appeal is by the complainant Jaswinder Pal whose complaint was dismissed by District Forum, Jalandhar on January 21, 1998. His request to the Electricity Board for providing an independent electricity connection was declined by the Electricity Board on the ground that he alongwith his brother was residing in the premises which were common and were being served with a separate electric connection. As per instructions of the Electricity Board additional electric connection in such circumstances could not be allowed. On these pleadings, the District Forum was approached which resulted in passing of the impugned order. The District Forum relied upon the instructions of the Electricity Board and hence there was no deficiency in rendering service in not granting separate electric connection although there was allegation of partition having been effected between the parties.

(2.) The FORA established under the Consumer Protection Act can not comment on the vires of the instructions issued by the Electricity Board depriving the citizens the right to have electric connection for their separate partitioned houses. Before the FORA such instructions cannot be challenged. During the arguments, the complainant who has appeared in person admitted that the entrance of the two partitions of the house is still common and it was on that account that the Electricity Board was not granting any relief. Be that as it may, there is no deficiency on the part of the Electricity Board in not granting additional electric connection to the complainant as he is already using electricity from electric connection already provided in the house. This appeal is, therefore, dismissed. We leave the complainant to approach the Civil Court or the High Court, if so advised for the relief.