Thiru Justice S.A. Kader, President—The appeal is against the order of the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Sivagangai, dated 24.12.92 in O.P. No. 69/92. The Opposite Party, Special Tahsildar, Sivaganga, formerly Tahsildar, Thiruppattur, is the Appellant.

2. The Appellant has leased out in public auction the right to cut and remove the trees on 27.7.90. The Complainant was the successful bidder f or Rs. 3,010/- and has also paid the entire amount of Rs. 3,010/- and Sales-tax of Rs. 241/-. Due to the delay in issuing the order, the Complainant could not cut and remove the trees and was damnified. Hence this complaint claiming damages in issuing the order of confirmation.

3. The claim was resisted by the Opposite Party.

4. The District Forum directed the Opposite Party to pay compensation in the sum of Rs. 6,000/-, in default to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/-. It is this order that is challenged in the appeal.

5. It may at once be pointed that the default service fine of Rs. 5,000/- order by the District Forum is totally untenable. It has been repeatedly pointed out by this Commission that such a composite order cannot be passed under Section 24 of the Act. This portion of the