Lok Adalat 9th December 2017

Name of the District: South-DLSA, Saket Courts.

Name of the Applicant: Ram Kumar

BSES Rajdhani Power Limited (Electricity Matter)

Winter was just setting in Delhi, and Ram Kumar, along with his son had reached the ‘Lok Adalat’ in Saket court hoping for some swift justice. A few months ago, he got the shock of his life when his small house which accommodates his family received two bills amounting to Rs 5.63 lacs. Since then, he has been running from pillar to post to get it corrected . Nobody had any answers for him. To be fair, the electricity department has a huge customer base and anyone getting a bill of high amount is bound to put in a complaint. It is difficult for the staff to keep up with the validation of all complaints along with the normal operational complaints. From the consumer perspective, Ram Kumar who is also suffering from throat problem which makes it difficult for him to even speak has to rely on his son to take him to different offices. While his regular visits to electricity office and court he heard through someone about ‘Lok Adalat’ which was due soon. He was advised to submit his case there. Seeing as his only option and ray of last hope, he did the necessary formalities and submitted his case.

Today he patiently waited his turn, while his son offered him some medicine from time to time to ease the irritation in the throat. The infamous Delhi smog was not making it any easier. When his turn came he entered the office with tears welled up in his eyes because if he did not get any respite today, then he did not knew what to do next. He could well imagine the continued agony for coming many months.

As soon as his case started, Ram Kumar broke down. With much difficulty he tried to explain his side of the story in a hoarse voice to the presiding judge. The judge also heard the view of the representative from the electricity board . He empathized with the plight of Ram Kumar and after 1 hour of negotiations  finally got the case settled for a sum of Rs 2.83 lakhs, a 50% reduction from the original bill. Ram Kumar gave a sigh of relief. Swift justice had been delivered.