5/12/08 Smt.M.D.Jessy, Member This is a complaint filed under Section 12 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, and offered spot connection and regular supply of refilled gas cylinders without any delay. When complainant approached the first opposite party he assured that 2nd 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. For the last 6 months the complainant was not getting the refilled gas cylinders in time. The complainant who was solely depending upon gas for cooking suffered great hardship. Hence the complainant cancelled the gas connection and asked for refund of the deposit amount. The opposite parties were not ready to refund the amount and hence the complaint. On receiving the complaint notices were issued to the opposite parties , 2nd and 3rd opposite parties filed their version admitting that the complainant had availed gas connection by paying Rs 5750/- to the Ist opposite party. But the Ist opposite party was handed over the amount to 2nd opposite party. Out of which 2nd opposite party had given RS 5500/- to 3rd opposite party, Rs 100/- to Ist opposite party and 2nd 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 3rd opposite party is liable. On the above pleadings the following issues were raised for consideration. Whether there is any deficiency in service on the part of the opposite parties? Whether the complainant is entitled for remedy as prayed in the complaint? Relief and cost. The evidence consist of affidavit of complainant and Ext. A1 and A2. Issue Nos. 1 to 3: The complainant has stated in the complaint that she has availed gas connection from Ist opposite party by paying an amount of Rs 5750/-. The complainant was assured that the amount will be refunded at the time when the equipments are surrendered. Ext. A1 is the connection certificat. Ext.A2 is the surrendering certificate which shows that the complainant had surrendered two cylinders and one regulator to 1st opposite party. Complainant stated that opposite prties 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 Ist opposite party his explanation was that 2nd and 3rd opposite parties are responsible for those troubles. Hence all the opposite parties are jointly and severally liable to refund Rs 5750/- to the complainant. Thus issue Nos. 1 to 3 is 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/- President Sd/- Member Sd/- Member
APPENDIX Exhibits for the complainant A1.Connection certificate dt.9.12.98 issued by OP. A2.Receipt dt.24.4.08 issued by OP. Exhibits for the opposite parties: Nil Witness examined for either side Nil /forwarded by order/
Senior Superintendent
Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kannur | 
