Baramulla Consumer Commission Cancels False Electricity Bills, Directs KPDCL To Pay ₹30,000 Compensation
Pranav B Prem
The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Baramulla/Bandipora, has directed the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Ltd. (KPDCL) to cancel erroneous electricity bills issued in the name of a consumer and to pay ₹30,000 as compensation and litigation costs. The Commission, presided over by Peerzada Qousar Hussain (President) and Ms. Nyla Yaseen (Member), held the department guilty of negligence and deficiency in service for generating multiple inflated bills in the name of the same consumer.
Case Background
The complaint was filed by Nisar Ahmad Lone, a resident of Dangiwacha, Rafiabad, Baramulla, who had been regularly paying his electricity dues under Consumer ID 0212050010785. Despite this, in February 2018 he received a bill of ₹23,964, even though he had already deposited ₹10,000. As per his agreement with the department, his monthly liability was only ₹357.
Later, in July 2023, another inflated bill of ₹1,30,373 was issued in his name, reflecting monthly charges of ₹2,080. The complainant contended that these bills were false and fabricated. Instead of rectifying the error when he approached the department, KPDCL disconnected his electricity connection. Adding to his grievance, two further bills were generated in his name under different consumer IDs for the same household. Aggrieved, Lone approached the Consumer Commission seeking restoration of electricity, cancellation of false bills, and compensation for the harassment caused.
Proceedings Before the Commission
Although a concerned officer from KPDCL appeared before the Commission, the department failed to file any written reply to contest the allegations. The complainant submitted his own affidavit as well as that of a neighbour, both affirming that he belonged to a poor family, worked as a labourer, and had been unfairly burdened with inflated bills despite making timely payments.
The evidence also revealed that three separate bills had been generated in his name under different consumer IDs for the same residence, substantiating his allegation of false billing. A report filed by KPDCL’s own officials during the proceedings confirmed that the complainant was registered only under Consumer ID 0212050010785 and that the other bills were erroneously generated.
Findings of the Commission
The Bench observed that the complainant, belonging to a poor background and dependent on daily wage work, had been wrongfully burdened with inflated and fabricated bills. It held that the issuance of multiple bills against the same consumer and disconnection of supply without justification amounted to gross negligence and deficiency in service by KPDCL.
Directions Issued
Allowing the complaint, the Commission passed the following directions:
KPDCL was directed to cancel all erroneous bills issued in the name of the complainant, other than the one under Consumer ID 0212050010785.
The department was ordered to pay ₹20,000 as compensation for mental agony and ₹10,000 towards litigation costs.
KPDCL was cautioned to maintain proper billing records and ensure that no false or duplicate bills are issued in the future.
By its order dated July 30, 2025, the Baramulla Consumer Commission found KPDCL guilty of deficiency in service and negligence. It cancelled the inflated bills issued against Nisar Ahmad Lone, awarded him ₹30,000 in compensation and litigation costs, and directed the department to ensure proper billing practices going forward.
Appearance
Appearing Counsel Adv. Sheikh Irshad Rashid for the complainant.
Nemo for the O P’s.
Cause Title: Nisar Ahmed Lone V. Assistant Executive Engineer KPDCL & Anr.
Case No: Consumer Complainant No: 63/2024
Coram: Peerzada Qousar Hussain [President], Ms. Nyla Yaseen [Member]
