through the means of self-employment. In the facts of this case, the OP has merely pleaded in its version that the service was obtained for a commercial purpose. No evidence has been led to probabilise its case other than merely restating its claim on affidavit. It is now well too settled that a plea without proof and proof without plea is no evidence in the eyes of law. 24. We do not wish to address ourselves to the merits of the issue since three Forums have concurred in their finding that there was proved deficiency of service. 25. Accordingly, we dismiss the appeals. ….…………………………….J. (Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha) …….………………………….J. (Aravind Kumar) New Delhi, May 10, 2024 14