D.O.F. 12.09.2012 D.O.O. 31.10.2012 IN THE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM KANNUR Present: Sri. K.Gopalan : President Smt. K.P.Preethakumari : Member Smt. M.D.Jessy : Member Dated this the 31st day of October, 2012. C.C.No.271/2012 Shyja Mallinath, Usha Nivas, Andaloor, P.O. Palayad, : Complainant Kannur – 670 661 1. The Managing Director, Kerala State Co-op. Consumer Federation Ltd., Gandhi Nagar Ernakulam, Cochin – 682 020 2. The Secretary, Dharmadam Service Co-op. Bank Ltd., : Opposite Parties Chirakkunu, P.O. Palayad, Kannur - 670661 3. The Manager, Koldy Petroleum India, Moongilamada, Vannamada, Kozhinjampara, Palakkad. O R D E R Smt. M.D. Jessy, Member This is a complaint filed under Section 12 of Consumer Protection Act for getting an order directing the opposite parties to refund ` 5750 with interest and cost. The case of the complainant in brief is as follows : Complainant has taken cooking gas from opposite party. The opposite parties provided gas connection for domestic purposes. The opposite party offered spot connection and regular supply of gas cylinders without any delay. But there was no regular supply of cooking gas and committed gross defect in performing the terms of the contract. The said payment was made through agent of opposite party ie Dharmadam Service Co-op. Bank Ltd, P.O. Dharmadam. But the supply of gas happened to be irregular. So complainant cancelled gas connection and made request to repay deposit amount before Secretary, Dharmadam Service Co-op. Bank. But the opposite party were not ready to repay the amount. Hence the complainant cancelled the gas connection and asked for refund of the amount and opposite party was not ready to refund the amount and hence the complaint. After receiving the complaint Forum sent notices to opposite parties. 3rd opposite party sent their version as follows that as per the agreement between 3rd opposite party and Kerala State Consumer Federation Ltd., Cochin, who is entrusted with the supply of LPG connection through Neethi Stores or any retail sales outlets of the Kerala State Consumer Federation Ltd., Cochin. 3rd opposite party has performed their part without any default. On the above pleadings the following issues were raised for consideration. 1. Whether there is any deficiency of 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 oral testimony of the complainant and Ext.A1 to A3 marked. Issue No.1 to 3 : The complainant has stated in the complaint that she has availed gas connection from 1st opposite party by paying an amount of ` 5750. The complainant was assured that the amount will be refunded at the time when the equipments are surrendered. Ext.A1 is the authorization given by complainant to her brother for conducting the case. Ext.A2 is the receipt dated 27.10.2012 which shows that complainant has paid `5750 for taking gas connection. Complainant has paid `5750 at the time of taking the connection and he was then assured by 1st opposite party that the amount would be refunded when the equipments are returned. Since the gas distribution become irregular along with high increase of price of gas the complainant constrained to surrender the equipments. Opposite party did not take care to refund the amount. Hence the complainant filed the complaint. Ext.A3 is the surrendering certificate which shows that complainant has surrendered two cylinders and regulator to 1st opposite party. Here all opposite parties are jointly and severely liable to refund `5750 to the complainant. In the result, the complaint is allowed directing the opposite parties to refund ` 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 entitled to execute the order as per the provisions of Consumer Protection Act. Dated this the 31st day of October, 2012. Sd/- Sd/- President Member APPENDIX Exhibits for the Complainant A1. Authorisation letter. A2. Certificate dated 27.10.2012. A3. Surrendering certificate dated 21.08.2012. Exhibits for the opposite party Nil Witness examined for the complainant PW1. Prakashan N. Witness examined for opposite party Nil /forwarded by order/ SENIOR SUPERINTENDENT |