MUMBAI, JULY 10: Justice is eluding a 27-year-old widow following failure of the Maharashtra State Electricity Board to pay her Rs one lakh compensation as directed by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC).Disposing of a complaint filed by Nanda Bhasme, Justice G G Loney, then CDRC president had on May 2, 1994, directed MSEB to pay her Rs one lakh compensation and Rs 1000 towards cost of petition, within 30 days. In the event the MSEB fails to pay within the stipulated period, the CDRC stated that the aforesaid amount shall carry 18 per cent per annum interest till realisation.On August 10, 1990, Bhasme's husband, Madhukar, a resident of Katol in Nagpur district died due of electric shock allegedly owing to defective maintenance of power line by the MSEB. Her contention was that since the death of her husband was due to the MSEB's negligence she should be paid a compensation of Rs two lakh.Following the death of Bhasme, C T Wazalwar, Electrical Inspector visited the spot and submitted hisreport. Inter alia, it was stated in the report that `the MSEB has violated the electricity rules and that the death of Bhasme was due to improper maintenance by the board'.In his order, Justice Loney observed that since MSEB was supplying power to Bhasme, he was a consumer within the meaning of the Consumer Protection Act. On whether there were any deficiencies in the service provided by the board, the CDRC noted that the loss caused to the petitioner due to negligent maintenance of electric installation by the MSEB was obvious. ``In our view, it will meet the ends of justice, if the complainant is granted Rs one lakh towards compensation,'' Justice Loney observed in his 7-page order.Armed with the landmark order of the CDRC, when the widow approached MSEB Executive Engineer, he informed her that since the board has moved the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, there was no question of making the payment till a decision is taken on the appeal.On April 15, last, the National ConsumerDisputes Redressal Commission dismissed the appeal filed by MSEB.``The complainant is a young widow of 27 years. Her husband died of electrocution. From facts and evidence placed on record, the State Commission has done a finding of facts. The appeal has been filed against that finding. Although the finding has been challenged, we are not inclined to interfere with the finding of the fact recorded by the State commission on appreciation of evidence. The appeal is dismissed,'' Justice Suhar Sena, a former judge of the Supreme Court and president of the commission observed.Though three months have passed since the commission passed the order, the MSEB is yet to implement the directive.Shocked and surprised by the attitude of the board, the widow has now filed a fresh complaint before the State CDRC for justice. She has urged the commission to initiate proceedings against MSEB officials for their non-compliance of the directives of the national commission. Top
