A.K.ANNAMALAI, J. - (1.) The unsuccessful complainants are the appellants.
(2.) The complainants filed a complaint against the opposite parties for restoration of service connection and fit another power meter after the receipt of minimum charges up to the date of discretion of service and restore power supply and for Rs.10,000/- as compensation for mental agony and for costs.
(3.) The brief details of the complaint are as follows :- The complainants are the consumers having electricity service connection bearing SC No.299 of Ariyapalayam. The complainants have a sago factory which was defunct for nearly 2 to 3 years due to severe drought in that area. The complainant paid a minimum charge of Rs.2,450/- bimonthly. The complainant came to know that the exaggerated Meter reading and abnormal payment only on 15.10.2003 when the complainants son went to the Puthiragoundampalayam Assistant Engineers office to receive the minimum charge of Rs.2540/-. After having fitted FR power factor the consumption was stated as 1495 units from 22.7.2003 to 22.9.2003 and the complainant has been insisted by the 1st opposite party to pay Rs.6060/- instead of Rs.2540/- as usual. The 1st opposite party has refused to accept the minimum charges and insisted to pay Rs.6060/- so that the complainant the first opposite party to disconnect the service connection to avoid further exaggerated meter reading. The service connection was disconnected on 16.10.2003 only upon the request made by the complainant. Letter in Tamil was given to the 1st opposite party office on 15.10.2003 itself. The complainant had given another letter dated 23.10.2003 regarding the exaggerated meter reading and it was acknowledged by the 1st opposite party on 1.11.2003 and he gave an electricity Tariff fee card on the same day. The complainant requested the 3rd opposite party by means of a letter dated 26.10.2004 to conduct an enquiry over the exaggerated meter reading and consider the complainants request. Contrary to the request the first opposite party sent a reply to the complainant on 28.8.04 stating that the complainant has to pay a sum of Rs.34,810/- otherwise necessary action will be taken. The opposite party justifies the meter reading of 1500 units for 61 days and 3516 units for a period of 26 days only. The complainant sent another request to the 3rd opposite party to conduct an enquiry on 23.9.2004 by way of registered post and a copy sent to the 1st opposite party so far the complainants requests were not responded by them. The said act on the part of the opposite parties have caused a great mental agony and anguish to the complainant.;