UTTARI HARYANA BIJLI VITRAN NIGAM LIMITED Vs. NAIB SINGH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal is preferred against the order dated 28.12.2007 passed by the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Panchkula while accepting the complaint of the respondent -complainant, following relief was granted:

(2.) THE brief facts of the present complaint are that the respondent -complainant had applied for tubewell electric connection on 25.7.2005 and deposited Rs. 21,095 on three different occasions i.e. vide receipt Nos. 031854, 032942 and 031854 and book Nos. 167, 1143 and 168 dated 18.7.2005 and 18.10.2006 respectively. At the time of deposit of the aforesaid amount, the complainant was assured by the opposite parties that the connection would be released within a period of one month as the complainant had adopted the TATKAL SCHEME . However, no connection was released till 26.4.2007 and rather the opposite parties issued notice bearing Memo No. 430/60/AP whereby demand of Rs. 21,000 was raised by the opposite parties out of which Rs. 10,500 were to be deposited within 15 days from the receipt of the notice. On inquiry the complainant was told that the Government of Haryana had issued new instructions and as per new instructions the complainant was required to deposit the demand amount. Compelled under the circumstances, the complainant invoked the jurisdiction of the District Forum seeking directions to the opposite parties to release the electric tubewell connection to the complainant without any delay and the compensation of Rs. 20,000 spent by the complainant for purchase of diesel engine; Rs. 40,000 on account of damages of crops; Rs. 20,000 for mental agony and harassment; and Rs. l 1,000 as litigation expenses.

(3.) UPON notice, the opposite parties appeared and contested the complaint. In the written statement, they justified the demand made from the complainant on the basis of Sales Circular issued by the Nigam. It was prayed that the complaint merited dismissal.