Daijiworld Media Network - Madikeri (SP)

Madikeri, Nov 13: The state consumer grievances redressal forum has ordered Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company Ltd to meet the loss of six lac rupees suffered by a person in connection with an electricity supply-connected tragedy. S L Shankar, a farmer from Nagarur near here has succeeded in approaching consumer court and getting his losses recouped.

Due to heavy rains which lashed the region on August 5, 2017, an 11 kv power line passing near his residence of Shankar had got severed and fallen on the cable supplying power to his house. As a result, electrical and electronic equipment and some furniture were consumed by fire. The losses due to the incident would have been manifold, but for the efforts made by the fire brigade personnel.

As the officials of the electricity supply company concerned showed neglect and apathy towards redressing the grievances of the house owner, Shankar complained against the officials, naming the managing director of Chamundeshwari Electricity Supply Company Ltd and other officials as the defendants. The court, after hearing arguments, scrutinizing evidences and proofs provided in the case, passed an order on November 17, 2018, instructing the company to pay Rs 7.5lac to Shankar towards the losses and Rs 25,000 towards mental agony suffered by him.

The company appealed to the state level consumer court against the district court's order. Judge of the court, K B Sangannavar, who heard arguments from both the sides, ordered to reimburse a sum of six lac rupees along with interest within two months and also to pay Rs 20,000 by way of compensation.

Shankar said that he was compelled to seek redressal of the grievance through the court as the officials of the department showed reluctance to discharge their duties and failed to conduct inspection even after they were informed of the accident.