Thiruvananthapuram: The Thrissur Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum has ordered Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to pay a fine of Rs 3,000 to a consumer for disconnecting the water supply without providing a proper bill.
As per the complaint filed by retired lieutenant colonel N.D. Joy of Ollukkara, Thrissur, he has a water connection at his house which was rented out to one Mr Joseph Kunju between 1993 and 2003.
The water connection was abruptly disconnected in July 2015. Based on communication through letters he learnt that this was due to non-payment of bill.
KWA contested that he has made dues of Rs 21,175 till July 2015, but the amount was calculated from April 1991. However, as per rules, KWA has no authority to seek for water bills, before a period of lapsed six months.
Mr Joy contested that the officials have not turned up for all these years and have not provided bills.
He was ready to pay a sum if they provide bills. Also, he claimed to have not used the water all these years.
The KWA claimed it had issued two bills in 2001 and 2006 and a minimum payable charge was paid in the first instance.
However, the KWA failed to produce personal consumer ledger, meter reading register etc. before the court to disprove his claim.
With this, they were directed to provide the compensation.
