Ernakulam District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission has overturned the decision of the Tripunithura Kerala Water Authority (KWA) to sever the drinking water connection to a home owned by a pregnant woman. The ruling follows an urgent complaint lodged by the affected resident from Kumbalam.
The controversy erupted when KWA disconnected the water supply despite the presence of a pending bill amounting to ₹22,242. The payment deadline, set for September 12, allowed sufficient time for settlement, which includes an additional fine. The abrupt disconnection occurred last week, triggering immediate legal action. The consumer court, acting on an emergency basis, issued a notice demanding KWA’s explanation while mandating the immediate restoration of the water connection. The commission underscored that drinking water is an essential service and emphasised that its arbitrary suspension, particularly in the context of a vulnerable individual’s situation, is unacceptable.
The court’s bench, led by Chairperson Justice Suresh Nair, along with members M.A. Kuttappan and R. Joseph, bypassed the usual procedural hearing in light of the urgency of the matter. The commission’s directive specifically instructed the KWA’s Assistant Executive Engineer to reinstate the water supply without delay. The commission’s swift action reflects its commitment to ensuring essential services are maintained, especially under circumstances that affect the health and well-being of individuals. KWA is now required to provide a detailed explanation for the disconnection at the next hearing scheduled for Thursday. The case will be reviewed further to ascertain the reasons behind the alleged unjust actions and to prevent future occurrences of similar issues.
