MESCOM compensates 70-year-old after a 7-year battle

MESCOM compensates 70-year-old after a 7-year battle

Mangalore Today News Network

Chikmagalur, Jan 4: After seven long years, 70-year-old Subramanya Bhatta of Koppa, Chikmagalur, has finally succeeded in getting MESCOM to repay the security deposit of Rs 525, along with a fine of Rs 6,450 for delaying the refund. 

In 2003, Mr. Bhatta had disconnected an irrigation pump set. He requested MESCOM to refund the security deposit of Rs 525. For 7 long years, Mr. Bhatta pursued the matter, but MESCOM hardly bothered to look into the matter. 

Finally, he approached the consumer grievance redressal forum (CGRF) in 2008 and demanded a compensation of Rs 91,700 for the inconvenience caused to him. However, the CGRF only gave a compensation of Rs 900 to Bhatta on grounds that consumers should not stand to benefit because of certain delays from the department. 

Mr. Bhatta then approached the KERC ombudsman, who investigated the matter and came to the conclusion that MESCOM had indeed failed to meet the expected standards. Still, Mr. Bhatta could not get a compensation of Rs 91,700 because the KREC regulation, which enabled him to get that compensation, came into effect in 2004. The KERC ombudsman, therefore, noted that Bhatta cannot claim the entire amount. 

Instead, the ombudsman decided that Mr. Bhatta should receive compensation because of the delay in refunding the security deposit and also because he was a senior citizen whose health was not that good. The ombudsman also ruled that MESCOM has clearly disregarded the KERC regulations and is guilty of arrogance and negligence of duties. KERC, therefore, has ordered MESCO to not only refund the security deposit, but also pay a fine of Rs 6,450 to Mr. Bhatta.