DCDRC B’la penalizes PDD Officials for generating frivolous Electricity Billing

BARAMULLA, DECEMBER 28: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) Baramulla/ Bandipora today imposed a penalty of Rs. 30,000 on the Power Development Department (PDD) Baramulla for an administrative oversight regarding an inflated electricity bill of a consumer.

A complaint was filed by a consumer at the court who had been charged a huge amount for their electricity bill due to an administrative oversight whereby the department had generated two consumer IDs for a single connection, resulting in the inflated billing. Despite the complainant’s prior attempts to rectify the error through official channels, the authorities failed to provide a resolution.

Upon receiving the complaint, the DCDRC swiftly initiated cognizance under the leadership of Peerzada Qousar Hussain, serving as the President of the Commission.

A thorough proceeding found the concerned authorities culpable for the oversight. As a consequence, the Commission held the officials negligent, accountable and levied a penalty of Rs. 30,000. This amount, signifying compensation for the distress and mental anguish caused to the complainant, is to be deducted from the officials’ salaries and are directed to make the payment.

This decision by the Commission underscores their commitment to ensuring consumer rights protection and holding accountable those responsible for administrative lapses causing inconvenience to the public.