GENERAL MANAGER TELECOMMUNICATION TRICHY Vs. P L UNNAMALAI ACHI

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The opposite parties-Officers of the Telecom Department against whom an award has been passed are the appellants. The complainant was the owner of the telephone No.2632. His case is that for 12 years excepting for 2 occasions she was paying the minimum charges. But the bill dated 1.6.1992 was surprisingly for a large amount of Rs.1,322/-. Making a protest she paid the amount. She sent a letter to the Department for disconnecting the STD facility. The STD was disconnected on 20.6.1992. After that another bill was sent for the period 16.5.1992 to 15.7.1992 for a sum of Rs.807/-. This bill also was excessive. Her complaints regarding this has not been considered by the opposite parties. According to the complainant she has paid an excess amount of Rs.3,186/-. The opposite parties have not taken any action or considered her protest. This amounts to deficiency in service on the part of the opposite parties. On these allegations, the complaint was filed.

(2.) The opposite parties contended that there was no excess billing. The bills were prepared only on the basis of the real calls made by the complainant. Investigations showed that there was no defect in the meter. Therefore there was no deficiency in service on their part. They also contended that this is a matter which shall be referred to arbitration under Sec.7b of the Indian Telegraph Act and it is not a matter for consideration by the Consumer Forum.

(3.) The District Forum on consideration of the evidence came to the conclusion that there were excessive bills as pleaded by the complainant. Thus holding the District Forum directed the opposite parties to refund a sum of Rs.3,186/- which according to the complainant has been paid in excess and also a compensation of Rs.2,500/- with a cost of Rs.700/-.