By Smt. C.S. Sulekha Beevi, President,
1. According to the complainant he availed of a gas connection from the opposite parties by depositing a sum of Rs.5750/-. As the supply of gas was irregular the complainant does not wish to continue consumership under the opposite parties and hence requested for refund of Rs.5750/- deposited by him with the opposite parties. The opposite parties did not accede to his claim. Hence the complaint. 2. Opposite party No.1 which is a bank is set exparte on 04-11-2008. 3. Opposite party No.2 contended that the petition is not maintainable before the Forum. Further that the supply of gas became irregular because M/s Koldy Petroleum India Ltd. with whom second opposite party had tie up withdraw from the supply of gas. The complainant is not entitled for refund of the amount. 4. Opposite party No.3 has filed version stating that as per agreement entered with second opposite party, the supply of LPG was to be done through second opposite party. The bank guarantee has been invoked by second opposite party and hence 3rd opposite party is not liable to compensate any reliefs claimed by complainant. 5. It is well settled preposition of law that Forum can exercise jurisdiction over service rendered by Co-operative societies. We have therefore no hesitation to hold that the complaint is maintainable. 6. Payment of the amount of Rs.5750/- is admitted. Nobody can be compelled to be a consumer. Complainant can at any time withdraw from the consumer relationship with opposite parties. At the time of withdrawal he is certainly entitled to get refund of the amount deposited by the complainant. Complainant is liable to surrender the empty gas cylinders and regulator if any. 7. In the result the complaint is allowed and opposite party No.1 and 2 are jointly and severally ordered to refund the complainant a sum of Rs.5750/-(Rupees five thousand seven hundred and fifty only) along with cost of Rs.500/- (Rupees five hundred only) within three weeks from the date of receipt of copy of this order. On receipt of the refund the complainant shall return the empty cylinders and regulator if any with him. Dated this 2nd day of December, 2008.
Sd/- C.S. SULEKHA BEEVI, PRESIDENT
Sd/- MOHAMMED MUSTAFA KOOTHRADAN, Sd/- MEMBER E. AYISHAKUTTY, MEMBER
APPENDIX
Witness examined on the side of the complainant : Nil Documents marked on the side of the complainant : Ext.A1 Ext.A1 : Photo copy of the receipt for Rs.5250/- dated, 19-9-1998 from 1st opposite party to complainant. Witness examined on the side of the opposite parties : Nil Documents marked on the side of the opposite parties : Nil
Sd/- C.S. SULEKHA BEEVI, PRESIDENT
Sd/- MOHAMMED MUSTAFA KOOTHRADAN, Sd/- MEMBER E. AYISHAKUTTY, MEMBER
......................AYISHAKUTTY. E ......................C.S. SULEKHA BEEVI ......................MOHAMMED MUSTAFA KOOTHRADAN | |