T.M. Hassan Pillai: President — The order of dismissal of the joint complaint filed by two individuals who obtained gas connections (figured as complainants 2 and 3) and the General Secretary of the Karunagappally Taluk Consumer Council, Registration No.(Q) 160/94 (figured as 1st complainant) passed by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Kollam recording a finding to the effect that complainants failed to prove the case pleaded in the complaint, that there was deficiency in service on the part of the opposite parties is under challenge in this appeal.

2. Though we need not embark upon a detailed consideration of the materials placed before the lower forum by the complainants, in support of their case on the ground that the main question that is agitated before us is as to the maintainability of a joint complaint. We are inclined to evaluate the evidence adduced by the complainants..

3. From the averments made in the complaint it is very clear that gas connections were obtained by the 2nd and 3rd complainants on different dates. Though in the complaint the dates of giving gas connection to each of them are not specifically disclosed in the affidavit filed by the 2nd complaina