BEFORE THE CONSUMER DISPUTES REDRESSAL FORUM,
ERNAKULAM.
Date of filing : 04/09/2014
Date of Order : 06/12/2014
Present :-
Shri. A. Rajesh, President.
Shri. Sheen Jose, Member.
Smt. V.K. Beena Kumari, Member.
C.C. No. 654/2014
Between
Krishnadas. P.N., | :: | Complainant |
S/o. Narayanan. P.K., IX/545, Theeradesa Road, Palliport. P.O., Cherai. | | (By Adv. Rajesh Vijayendran, M/s. Rajesh & Rathish Advocates, 35/191, Automobile Road, Palarivattom, Kochi – 682 025.) |
And
1. The Assistant Executive Engineer, Kerala Water Authority, | :: | Opposite Parties |
Water Supply Sub-Division, North Paravoor, Ernakulam District. 2. The Assistant Engineer, Kerala Water Authority, Water Supply Sub-Division, North Paravoor, Ernakulam District. | | Op.pts. by Adv. P.A. Augustine, 91, D.D. Tex World, Market Road, Kochi – 11.) |
O R D E R
Sheen Jose, Member.
1. This complaint has been filed by the complainant alleging deficiency in service on the part of the opposite parties in issuing an exorbitant bill as a bolt from the blue to the tune of Rs. 1,73,218/- without taking meter reading in time.
2. The opposite parties filed their version vehemently refuting the averments of the complainant. Heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the documents on records. Evidently, the opposite parties failed to record the consumption of water by the complainant in time. Seemingly, the above conduct of the opposite parties amount to deficiency in service on their part, in view of the Kerala Water Authority (Water Supply) Regulations 1991. In view of the above, we are only to set aside the bill.
3. To set things right, we pass the following order :-
The opposite parties are directed to issue a fresh adjustment bill based on the meter reading from the date of connection, till 25-08-2014 the date of the disputed bill.
The opposite parties shall adjust the remittances made by the complainant towards the bill to be issued to the complainant.
It is made clear that the opposite parties shall not collect any penal interest/fine from the complainant, since the opposite parties have not issued the bill in time.
The opposite parties shall permit the complainant to remit the amount as per the revised bill in 12 monthly equal instalments.
The order in I.A. No. 727/2014 is made absolute.
The order shall be complied with, in tune with the above directions.
Pronounced in the open Forum on this the 6th day of December 2014.
Forwarded/By Order, Sd/- Sheen Jose, Member.
Sd/- A. Rajesh, President.
Sd/- V.K. Beena Kumari, Member.
Senior Superintendent.
