Haryana Discoms namely Dakshin Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam and Uttar Haryana Bijli Vitran Nigam have decided to extend the "Out of Court Settlement Scheme" up to November 30. The scheme was launched in view to avoid prolonged litigation and to settle long pending court cases. The cases can be settled in the lok Adalats being held regularly at all the district head quarters.
A spokesman of the DHBVN said that the scheme would be available for settlement of all cases of consumers pending in Courts, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, State Commission and Arbitration as on February 28, 2013. However, the cases already settled or decided will not be re-opened and the scheme will not be applicable to the cases which have been decided in favour of Nigam. But the cases disposed off on the jurisdiction ground will be treated as pending cases, if the consumer had gone to the civil court.
He said that all such disputes where penalties have been levied can be settled under the scheme provided the consumer pays a reduced amount of 50 per cent of the amount initially assessed, along with simple interest @12 per cent per annum on the unpaid balance amount of the reduced amount.
In theft cases, the scheme is available only if the theft case is booked for the first time. The scheme is applicable to the cases, where dispute is on account of minimum charges (MMC). Such cases can be settled by payment of full amount of MMC along with simple interest @ 12 per cent per annum on the unpaid balance amount.