GURDEEP PAL SINGH Vs. PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD & ANR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) GURDEEP Pal Singh appellant was having electric connection bearing account No. KB54/0714N with the sanctioned load of 0.62 KW. He was making the payment of electricity bills regularly. However, the respondents raised the demand of Rs. 82,865 vide bill dated 11.4.2002. It was illegal. The matter was taken up with the respondents to recall the demand notice but the appellant was not heard. Hence he filed the complaint in the learned District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Ludhiana (in short "District Forum").

(2.) THE respondents filed the written statement. It was admitted that the appellant was the subscriber of electric connection bearing account No. KB54/0714N which was installed in December 1997. The said electric meter was having 5 figures. While taking the reading, the Meter Reader took it as a meter of 4 figures and he had been taking the reading of the electric meter accordingly. After the transfer of the earlier Meter Reader in April 2002 the new Meter Reader resumed the duties. He took the actual reading of the electric meter. Accordingly, the bill was prepared on actual consumption of 22267 units. The meter was removed. It was duly packed and sealed in the presence of the appellant. Thereafter the appellant was served a notice for appearing in the M.E. Lab. and get the meter tested in his presence. However, he failed to appear in the M.E. Lab. Accordingly, the meter could not be got tested. The meter is still lying packed and sealed with the respondents. Hence the demand of Rs. 82,865 was legal and valid. Dismissal of the complaint was prayed.

(3.) THE appellant produced his affidavit Ex. C1 along with documents Ex. C2 to Ex. C23. On the other hand, the respondents proved documents Ex. R1 to Ex. R10.