CONSUMER GRIEVANCE REDRESSAL FORUM NORTHERN REGION, KOZHIKODE. (Formed under Section 42(5) of Electricity Act 2003) Vydyuthibhavan, Gandhi Road, Kozhikode -673011 Telephone Number -0495 2367820 [email protected] PRESENT BEENA GOPINATH. S : CHAIRPERSON LEKHA RANI R : MEMBER II OP No.122/2019-20 PETITIONER : Sri. Muhammed Kunhi, H/o Rainas, ‘Sakeenas’, Talap, P. O. Pallikunnu, Kannur District-670004. RESPONDENTS : 1. Assistant Executive Engineer, Electrical Sub Division, Kannur, Kannur District-670002. 2. Assistant Engineer, Electrical Section,Pallikkunnu, Kannur District-670004. ORDER Case of the Petitioner:- The petitioner, Sri.Muhammed Kunji, H/o Rainas, Pallikkunnu, Kannur district, comes under the jurisdiction of Electrical section Pallikkunnu complaints that he was deprived of /denied electric connection stating some defects in the installations. The petitioner is engaged with construction work of quarters and applied for electrification on 07/11/2019 after completing the formalities. An Overseer named Sri.Jayanandan of ES Pallikunnu visited the site and noted the shortcomings due to which the connection is suspected to be withheld. The connection was denied mainly stating the reason that panel board was not fitted as per existing norms instead of individual main switches . The petitioner tried to convince the Overseer that he has given connections under Kunjipalli area with the same pattern of wiring. But the representative of the licensee turned deaf ear insisting the panel board to be fitted. Though the petitioner then approached the AE, ES, Pallikunnu it turned futile. But the AEE,ESD,Kannur directed the AE to provide connection using DB with ABC cable. Thus the connection was effected very late based on the direction of AEE. Informing the section office about the installation of DB, an Overseer visited the site but again refused to give connection. At this instance he was handed over Rs1000/- a token of bribe which he did not negate. As a result of continuous visit in the section office on several occasions the estimate was prepared and remitted the amount. Later connection effected on 23.12.2019 without using ABC/DB, but drawing individual wires. The rule being in force to effect connections within a period of 7 days it took one and half months with the malicious act of Overseer. It is widely protested that this particular Overseer has been 2 demanding petty cash exploiting their ignorance. The direction of AEE for effecting connection has shattered the ambition of Overseer, it is alleged. The Overseer has been adamant in issuing his own orders with the blind support of the AE. With the lethargic attitude of the Overseer one month’s rent is already lost to him, he revealed painfully. Mostly the petitioner has been found panic stricken going to and fro to the section office and sub division office for the purpose of solving the issue. It was informed that the connections will be given only after the installation of panel board. The petitioner reminds the licensee of neglecting the order of higher office. The complainant further requests the Hon’ble Forum to issue an appropriate order against the staff of the licensee for his dereliction of duty and to award due compensation to the petitioner at the earliest. Version by the Respondent:- The petitioner Sri. Muhammed Kunji P.V. is the registered single phase consumer having five connections with its consumer numbers such as 24172,24173,24174,24175 and 24176 under electrical section Pallikkunnu. The consumer has submitted an application on 07.11.2019 to avail electric connection to 5 quarters under his ownership near Talap mosque. On 08.11.2019 itself the Overseer Sri.Jayachandran of ES Pallikkunnu inspected the premises and noted the meter boards are fitted improperly and need to be fixed on a panel board which was informed to the applicant timely. But the petitioner did not adhere to the suggestion of the AE,ES,Pallikkunnu. Even after the lapse of many days when there was no response from the complainant the licensee took initiatives in giving separate w/p connections. There was no provision to seal the distribution box fixed by the petitioner and enough cable section stock was not available. More over 3 the applicant had not purchased cable. Hence T box connection could not be given. The allegation that the Overseer Sri.Jayachandran had demanded bribe is found to be fabricated and baseless. He has categorically denied the accusation stating that neither has he seen the culprit nor demanded the payoff. Therefore it is appealed to cancel the contentions stated above. Discussion, analysis and findi ngs : - The hearing of the case was convened on 22.1.2020 and 28.2.2020. The petitioner did not attend on both the occasions which clearly shows that he does not want to proceed further. Having considered all the documents submitted and the deliberations during the hearing, the Forum has come to the following conclusions leading to the decision:- The Forum has discussed the issue extensively and assumed that the complainant being absent has no further grievance to be redressed. Thus the petition is treated as closed. DECISION:- The petition is closed. Dated this the 05 th day of March 2020 Sd/- Sd/- Lekharani R. Beena Gopinath S. Member II Chairperson Endt.on CGRF-NR/OP /122/2019-20 / 645 dated : 05.3.2020 Forwarded to: 1) Sri Muhammed Kunji, H/o Rainas Sakkeenas, Pallikkunnu P.O, Kannur-670004. 4 2) The Assistant Executive Engineer, Electrical Sub Division, KSEB Ltd, Kannur, Kannur District. Copy submitted to: Chief Engineer (Distribution –North Malabar ) , Kannur Copy to: 1. The Secretary, KSEB Ltd., Vydyuthibhavanam, Thiruvananthapuram. 2. Deputy Chief Engineer, Electrical Circle, Kasaragod. 3. The Executive Engineer, Electrical Division, Kanhangad. 4. The Assistant Engineer, Forwarded Electrical Section Pallikkunnu, Sd/- KSEB Ltd., Kannur District. Chairperson 5.