PIARE LAL GARG,MEMBER - (1.) THIS is an appeal filed by PSEB (in short the appellant) against the order dated 21.11.2003 of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Hoshiarpur (in short the District Forum) by which the complaint of the respondent was allowed by the District Forum.
(2.) BRIEF facts of the case are that an electric connection No. SP -29/0022 installed in the Flour Mill, was in the name of his father Beant Singh, who since had died. Respondent was his legal heir and was beneficiary of the services provided by the appellant, as such, he was consumer of the appellant. The appellant had issued bill dated 12.9.2003 in which Rs. 27,501 was added as sundry charges. Respondent inquired about the same from the appellant but nothing was replied by the appellant. It was pleaded that he was not liable to pay Rs. 27,501 because all the bills had been paid by him and nothing was due against him. The appellant had neither issued any notice regarding the amount of Rs. 27,501 to him nor any details have been given to him that why this amount was added in the bill dated 12.9.2003. To avoid his disconnection he had paid Rs. 27,501 along with the bill of consumption dated 12.9.2003. It was pleaded that he had suffered mental pain and financial loss and prayed that the appellant be directed to refund Rs. 27,501 along with interest @ 18% per annum from the date of payment and also demanded Rs. 10,000 as compensation.
(3.) THE appellant was proceeded against ex -parte before the District Forum as the appellant had refused to accept the notice. Learned District Forum after hearing the learned counsel for the respondent and going through the record, allowed the complaint with compensation and costs of Rs.1,000. The demand of Rs. 27,501, which was raised through bill dated 12.9.2003 was also quashed.;