PUNJAB STATE ELECTY. BOARD vs M/S.VISHWA CALBIER BUILDERS PVT.LTD.

The Supreme Court overturned the Punjab & Haryana High Court's dismissal of the appellant's writ petition, which challenged the Ombudsman's order reversing the Disputes Settlement Authority's decision. The Court held that the forfeiture of the Advance Consumption Deposit (ACD) was unjustified as the respondent had complied with the conditions for load release. The Court directed the refund of the ACD and related charges, establishing that the consumer's rights must be protected under the applicable regulations.