Qazi Ifthekharuddin S/O Salauddin, v. The Southern Power Distribution Company Of Telangana Ltd.

HON'BLE SRI JUSTI CE A. RAMALI NGESWARA RAO Writ Petition No. 32022 of 2017 Order:

The petitioner is having a service connection bearing SC No.N1007930. While so it was inspected on 22.05.2014 by the DE, DPE, Medak, and it was found that the meter was under tampered condition. Accordingly, theft of energy case was booked under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003. A provisional assessment of electrical charges was made and pending determination of civil liability, the petitioner was asked to make payment of 50% of the assessed amount i.e., Rs.1,18,389/- and supervision charges of Rs.100/- along with reconnection charges of Rs.75/- for restoration of supply and to pay the balance 50% amount in two installments. The petitioner states that he deposited an amount of Rs.25,000/- and when the respondents disconnected the power supply and demanded to pay the due amount, the present Writ Petition is filed.

In the circumstances and in view of insisting for payment of 50% of the assessed amount, this Court feels that the case of the petitioner shall be referred for determination of civil liability, on condition of the petitioner paying 1/4th (one fourth) of the provisionally assessed amount including the amount already deposited to the respondents, within a period of thirty (30) days. On such payment, the electricity service connection shall be restored to the petitioner and the case of the petitioner shall be referred to the Special Court for determination of civil liability.

The Writ Petition is, accordingly, disposed of. The miscellaneous petitions pending in this Writ Petition, if any, shall stand closed. There shall be no order as to costs.

____________________________ A. RAMALI NGESWARA RAO, J Date: 23.10.2017 Nsr