- (1.) THIS appeal, under Section 15 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 is directed against the order dated 12.7.2005 in Complaint No. 137/2002 by District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Ambikapur (hereinafter called the District Forum for short) whereby the complainant/respondent s complaint was allowed and the appellant was directed to pay to the complainant compensation of Rs. 2,000 with interest @ 9% p.a. thereon, besides Rs. 1,000 as cost of the complaint.
(2.) INDISPUTABLY the complainant/respondent runs a flour mill and had obtained a electric service connection from the appellant. It is also not in dispute that the electric connection of the complainant/respondent was disconnected on 8.9.2000 and was restored on 23.11.2000.
(3.) THE complainant averred that he was paying the electricity bills regularly. However, the bills sent to him not correct and that his electric connection was disconnected without justification. It was further averred by the complainant that he requested the appellant to restore his electric connection. However, his request was not acceded to by the appellant. According to the complainant as there was no supply of electricity for the period from 8.9.2000 to 23.11.2000, there was no justification for demanding bills for the said period. The complainant approached the District Forum and filed his claim in which he claimed compensation, etc. The complaint as above was resisted by the appellant. It was alleged that as the complainant was irregular in making payment of the electricity bills, hence his electric connection was disconnected. However, the same was subsequently restored. It was also averred that in the bill itself intimation and notice is given to the consumer that his electric connection would be liable to be disconnected, on non -payment of the bill. It was further averred that the consumer is liable to pay minimum electricity charges even if the electricity is not used by him. It was, therefore, averred that there was no deficiency in service by the appellant.;