Section 12 in The Jharkhand State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Guidelines for Establishment of Forum for Redressal of Grievances of the Consumers and Electricity Ombudsman) Regulations, 2011
12. Procedure to be followed by the Forum on admission of complaint.
(1)The Forum shall,-(a)Refer a copy of such complaint to the nodal officer directing him to give his version of the case within a period of fifteen days or such extended period not exceeding ten days as may be granted by the Forum.(b)Where nodal officer on receipt of a copy of the complaint, referred to him under (a) above denies or disputes the allegation contained in the complaint. Any omission or failure to take any action to represent his case within the time specified by the Forum, the Forum shall proceed to settle the consumer dispute,-(i)On the basis of evidence submitted by the complainant and the Distribution licensee, where the Distribution licensee denies or disputes the allegations contained in the complaint, or(ii)Ex-parte on the basis of evidence brought to its notice by the complainant where the Distribution licensee omits or fails to take any action to represent his case within the time given by the Forum; and(c)Where the complainant fails to appear on the date of hearing before the Forum, the Forum may either dismiss the complaint for default or decide it on merit, if possible, or serve a notice to the complainant to appear in person to explain the grievances within 15 days of the first hearing as decided by the Forum.(2)Every complaint shall be heard expeditiously and an appropriate reasoned order shall be passed within a period of 14 days from the date of final hearing and maximum within 90 days from date of receipt of complaint by the Forum:Provided that no adjournment shall ordinarily be granted by the Forum unless sufficient ground exists and the reasons for grant of adjournment have been recorded in writing by the Forum:Provided further that maximum two adjournments, one each by Distribution Licensee and consumer, will be allowed in such cases and such adjournment shall not be for more than two weeks.Provided further that the Forum may pass such orders as to the costs for such adjournment as may be considered appropriate by the Forum;(3)Where during the pendency of any proceedings before the Forum, it appears to it to be necessary, it may pass such interim order as is just and proper keeping in view the facts and circumstances of the case subject to the condition that the complaint shall be decided within the maximum period of 90 days as specified in Clause 12 (2) of these Regulations.(4)Proceedings of the Forum can be attended by any consumer.
