W.B.S.E.B. vs RATHINDRA KUMAR MUKHERJEE

BY the impugned judgment dated 1.10.1996 the Forum directed the present appellant to change the bill in accordance with the reading in the meter card. The Forum has further pleased to direct the opposite party to pay cost of litigation including compensation for damages to the tune of Rs. 5,000/-. It is not disputed that the present dispute relates to the payment of bills for the period from August to October, 1995. Learned Counsel appearing for the respondent submits that all payments had duly been made in accordance with the reading shown in the meter card and there is no outstanding. Learned Counsel appearing for the appellant raised objection to the award of compensation of Rs. 5,000/- on the ground that there had been no deficiency in service on the part of the present appellant. It must be remembered that the bills having not been raised in accordance with the reading in the meter card the complainant had to rush to the Forum to seek redress. However, having considered the entire circumstances, we think that the award of compensation of Rs. 5,000/- is on the high side. Accordingly, we award compensation Rs. 500/- only in modification of the order passed by the Forum. With this observation, the appeal be disposed of. Appeal disposed of.