M/S. Sai Lakshmi Tulasi Ferros Pvt. Ltd, v. The Southern Power Distribution Company Of A.P. Limited,

THE HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE CHALLA KODANDA RAM WRIT PETITION No.17341 OF 2016 ORDER:

Heard Sri D.V.Nagarjun Babu, learned counsel for the petitioner, and Sri R.Vinod Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for respondents.

As can be seen from the affidavit averments of the petitioner, petitioner-Company is having HT SC No.390/ONG for which demand has been raised by respondents for a sum of Rs.92,22,664/- towards consumption charges for the month of May, 2016. It can be further seen that the petitioner had already paid a sum of Rs.25,00,000/- and seeks time for payment of remaining amount.

Learned counsel for the petitioner states that the petitioner does not dispute the liability to the said amount, however, it is his limited grievance that in view of the financial crisis in which the petitioner is placed in, petitioner may be granted ten (10) installments to make the payment.

Sri R.Vinod Reddy, learned Standing Counsel for respondents, submits that petitioner's request for grant of time for payment of bill amount was considered by the 1st respondent and time was granted till 30.05.2016 for making payment vide proceedings dated 24.05.2016 However, having regard to the financial crisis in which the petitioner is placed in and in the interest of justice, the petitioner is directed to pay the due amount to respondents in six (06) equal monthly installments. It is needless to mention that the amount of Rs.25,00,000/- already paid by the petitioner shall be given credit. Petitioner shall pay the first installment on or before 24.06.2016. Till such time, respondents shall not disconnect the power supply to petitioner's service connection bearing No.HT SC No.390/ONG. However, if the petitioner fails to pay the installments as directed by this Court, the respondents are at liberty to take appropriate action

including disconnection of power supply to petitioner's unit as envisaged under Section 56 of the A.P. Electricity Act. It is further made clear that granting of installments by this Court is subject to payment of interest by the petitioner as per the tariff order. With above directions, the Writ Petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs.

Miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending in the Writ Petition shall stand closed.

____________________________ Justice Challa Kodanda Ram 3rd June, 2016.

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