Mr. Justice M.S. Parikh, President—This appeal arises from order dated 21.12.1999 rendered by the learned Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Surat in Case No. 294/1997. The learned Forum has directed the opponent Surat Electricity Company Limited to pay to the complainant, compensation in the sum of Rs. 30,000/- with interest @ 16% p.a. from 18.11.1998 till payment. It was the complainant’s case that he was consumer with regard to electricity services made available in Flat No. 6 in B-Block of Surat Government Colony, wherein he was residing. On 14.7.1997, there was fire on account of short-circuit due to sudden rise in the voltage resulting into complete damage occurring to the colour television, cassette player-cum-recorder of Philips Company, 30 cassettes, wall clock, photos, tube light and wiring estimated at Rs. 30,000/-. The complaint was lodged at Entry No. 12/1997 with Umra Police Station and the Panchnama regarding the damage was made on the same day. Fire brigade was also informed. It was noticed that cables which were very old and deteriorated were causing frequent accidents in the City of Surat and the opponent electricity company was not taking care of repairing a