IN THE CONSUMER  DISPUTES REDRESSAL  FORUM, KOLLAM

DATED THIS THE 19^th   DAY OF  APRIL  , 2013

Present: Smt. G.Vasanthakumari,President

Adv.Ravisusha, Member

IA.NO.352/2012

IN

CC.NO.204/2011

Sri. M.A. Salim (Proprietor),

 Margin Free Super Market,

Near  A.M. Hospital, Karunagapally.   

(By Adv. N. Anvardeen, Kollam)                        - Complainant

V/S

1.       Regional Manager,

Idea Cellular  Ltd,

 Mercy Estate, 2^nd Floor,

Ravipuram, M.G. Road,

Ernakulam.

2.       Manager,

Idea Cellular Ltd,

 Kurumpelil Avenue,

 Polayathode, Kollam.

( By Adv. Shibu Thankappan )

3.       Naseer,

Idea Cellular  Ltd. Authorised Dealer

Opposite  to  K.S.R.T.C Bus stand,

Karunagapally                                 -OPPOSITE PARTIESP

ORDER

SMT.G.VASANTHAKUMARI, PRESIDENT

                This I.A. has been put in by the opposite parties  praying  to dismiss the complaint  as not maintainable  relying on the decision  rendered by Hon’ble  Supreme Court in the case of General Manager, Telecom V/s M. Krishnan  and another ( 2009 (iii)CPJ  71 SC). 

            Complainant  filed objection stating  that the above ruling is not applicable in this case.  Heard both sides.

            The  only point that arises for consideration is :-

Whether  the  complaint is maintainable  before this Forum ?

In  this  case  the learned  counsel  appearing  for  the opposite parties  has relied on the decision  of the Hon’ble  Supreme Court reported  in 2009 (111) CPJ 71 SC.    On a perusal of the decision we can see that the Hon’ble  Supreme  Court  has taken a view that any  dispute between the subscriber and the Telegraph Authority  can be resolved by taking  recourse to arbitration  proceedings only.  The Hon’ble National Commission has also followed the  same  view in   Prakash Varma V/s. Idea Cellular Limited, Kerala State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission in First  Appeal No. A/11/508 has  also taken the same view.    It is found that the Hon’ble   Supreme  Court has taken a view that the disputes between  a  subscriber  and Service providers  with regard to telegraph connections cannot be adjudicated  by the Forums  constituted under the Consumer  Protection Act.   So objections overruled and in this

case also  we are  taking the view of the Apex Court and we have no hesitation to safely conclude  that this  complaint is not   maintainable  before  this  Forum.  However, we grant  liberty to the complainant to pursue the matter under the said Telegraph  Act before the appropriate Forum.

            Dated  this the 19^th  day  of April ,2013

G. VASANTHAKUMARI-Sd/-       

                                                                                    Adv.RAVI SUSHA-Sd/-

                                                                                    Forwarded by  Order

                                                                                    Senior Superintendent