JUDGMENT :

1. Taken up for final hearing by consent of parties.

2. The challenge in this petition is to the order dated 25th January 2018 passed by the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum (‘CGRF’ for short) directing the petitioner to pay interest at the rate of 7% per annum on Rs.52,51,835/-, by adjusting the same in future Electricity Bills. The said amount represents the difference in the Tariff. It is undisputed that the principle amount of Rs.52,51,835/-has already been adjusted against the electricity bill for the month of September 2017. The dispute is only as regards the payment of interest.

3. The facts giving rise to the dispute are as under:-

On 31st January 1992 an electricity connection was released in favour of the respondent for industrial purpose under Tariff HT-1-C, for a contract demand of 1950 KVA with connected load of 2147 KW. On 06th October 2012 the respondent applied for change of the Tariff from continuous to non-continuous category i.e. from HT-1-C to HT-1-N category. The Competent Authority of the petitioner vide letter dated 25th March 2013 allowed the said change. The change of the category was effected from April 2013.

4. On 19th August 2016 the Maharashtra