‘Electricity a basic need,don’t cut power supply for meter tampering’

“In my considered opinion,electricity is the basic need of every human being in the present-day circumstances,and,hence,a prima-facie case is made out in favour of plaintiff (Sharma) for having the facility of electricity at the premises till the final disposal of this case on merits,” Additional Sessions Judge Shahbuddin said.

Sharma told the court that he secured the power connection on his premises for industrial purposes and a meter was installed there in 2004 but after an inspection in 2008,the power distribution firm “arbitrarily” raised a bill of Rs 36.94 lakh alleging that he had tampered with the meter.

He had said no proper inspection was carried out on his premises and the discom had threatened him with snapping the power connection if the bill was not paid.

During the arguments,the power distribution firm said Sharma had tampered with the meter and equipment and the inspection was carried out as per the rules.

It had said that bill was rightly raised against Sharma and he had not paid substantial amount of the bill so far and,thus,he was not entitled for any relief.

The court,in its order,directed Sharma to deposit 35 per cent of the total bill raised by the discom within a month and submit the receipt.

The court allowed Sharma’s plea and restrained the discom from disconnecting the power supply but said he will deposit 35 per cent of the total bill.