Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd (TPDDL) has been directed by a consumer forum here to pay Rs 10,000 to a customer as compensation for harassment after he was issued a notice for disconnecting supply when he did not succumb to bribe demand of a discom employee.
The East District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum said that the act of TPDDL's employees is "nothing but unfair trade practice" as the notice was issued alleging that complainant had not allowed entry to the meter reader, whereas the bill raised showed that readings had been recorded.
"The notice dated February 11, 2013 says complainant refused the official of the NDPL (now TPDDL) to enter the premises. This allegation of the respondent itself is belied by their own bill which has been issued on March 8, 2013 showing billing period of January 9 to February 18.
"The readings have been shown upto February 18, 2013, which is proof of the fact that official of the respondent (TPDDL) had access to the meter. The notice dated February 11, 2013 is nothing but to harass the bonafide consumer as he has failed to succumb to the demand of paying the money to the greedy meter reader. This is nothing but an unfair trade practice," the bench presided by N A Zaidi said.
Apart from awarding damages to the complainant, Delhi resident Akash Malhotra, the forum also directed TPDDL's General Manager to deduct the compensation amount from the salaries of the meter reader and the person who issued the notice "without verifying the factual situation" and to take suitable action against them.
Malhotra in his complaint had alleged that TPDDL's meter reader had twice demanded bribe from his wife and when she refused he had threatened that he would change their meter with one which runs faster.
Thereafter, on March 4 they received the notice dated February 11, 2013 which said their power supply would be cut for not allowing entry to meter reader to record the reading.
TDPPL in its written statement had denied the allegations.
