Smt.M.D.Jessy, Member

            This is a complaint filed under section12 of the consumer protection Act for getting an order directing the opposite parties to refund Rs.5750/- with interest and cost.

            The case of the complainant in brief is as follows: The opposite parties jointly provided gas connection for domestic purposes. The opposite parties offered spot connection and regular supply of gas cylinders without any delay. When complainant approached the 1^st opposite party he assured that 2^nd opposite party will provide gas connection on deposit of Rs.5750/-, which will be refunded in the event of termination of the gas connection. Complainant paid Rs.5750/- and availed gas connection. But later on the supply of gas happened to be irregular as against the assurance of the first opposite party. More over thy supplied refilled gas cylinders were of substandard quality and quantity. Hence the complainant cancelled the gas connection and asked for refund of the amount 1^st opposite party was not ready to refund the amount and hence the complaint.

            On receiving the complaint notices were issued to the opposite parties. 2^nd opposite party filed their version admitting that the complainant had availed gas connection by paying Rs.5750/- to the 1^st opposite party. But the 1^st opposite party was handed over the amount to 2^nd opposite party. Out of which 2^nd opposite party had given Rs.5500/- to 3^rd   opposite party, Rs.100/- to 1^st opposite party and 2^nd opposite party had appropriated Rs.150/- itself. They further admits that some delay was caused in supplying refilled gas cylinder, which was caused not because of any default committed by 2nd opposite party but due to withdrawal of 3rd opposite party from supplying gas and hence if any liability is found only 3^rd opposite party is liable.

            On the above pleadings the following issues were raised for consideration.

1.Whether there is any deficiency in service on the part of the opposite parties?

2.Whether the complainant is entitled for remedy as prayed in the complaint?

3.Relief and cost.

            The evidence consists of affidavit of complainant and Exdts.A1 and A2.

IssueNo.1 to 3

            The complainant has stated in the complaint that she has availed gas connection from 1^st opposite party by paying an amount of Rs.5750/-. The complainant was assured that the amount would be refunded at the time when the equipments are surrendered. Exts.A1 and A2 receipts issued by 1^st opposite party prove that the complainant has taken gas connection from opposite parties. Complainant stated that the opposite parties did not supply gas regularly. It is understandable that if there is no supply of gas that creates much trouble to those consumers of gas users. When it was complained to 1^st opposite party his explanation was that 2^nd and 3^rd opposite parties are responsible for those troubles. Exts.A1 and A2 prove that the complainant paid Rs.5750/- at the time of availing gas connection. Hence all the opposite parties are jointly and severally liable to refund Rs.5750/- to the complainant. Thus issues 1 to 3 are found in favour of the complainant.

            In the result, complaint is allowed directing the opposite parties to refund Rs.5750/- (Rupees Five thousand seven hundred and fifty only) to the complainant within one month from the date of receipt of this order, failing which the complainant is allowed to execute the order against the opposite parties under the provisions of Consumer Protection Act.

                                         Sd/-                             Sd/-                              Sd/-

                                    President                     Member                       Member

                                    APPENDIX

Exhibits for the complainant

A1.Receipt dt.3.4.98 issued by OP1

A2.Receipt dt.25.4.98 issued by OP1.

Exhibits for the opposite parties

Nil

Witness examined for either side

Nil

                                                            /forwarded by order/

                                                               Senior Superintendent

Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kannur

Despatched on

Through post/hand