Kulbir Singh v. State Of Punjab And ANR

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CRM-M-22891-2020 Decided on : 17.08.2020 Kulbir Singh . . . Petitioner(s)

Versus

State of Punjab and another . . . Respondent(s)

CORAM:

HON'BLE MRS. JUSTICE MANJARI NEHRU KAUL PRESENT: Mr. Kamaldeep Singh Sodhi, Advocate for the petitioner(s).

**** MANJARI NEHRU KAUL, J. (Oral) The present petition has been filed under Section 438 Cr.P.C., for grant of anticipatory bail to the petitioner, in case FIR No. 390, dated 13.07.2020, under Sections 135, 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003, registered at Police Station Anti Power Theft, Jalandhar, District Jalandhar. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the perusal of the FIR in question does not even obliquely refer to the theft of any electricity. Rather the only allegation levelled against the petitioner is of incorrect meter reading. Hence, allegations which have been levelled against the petitioner does not attract the mischief of Sections 135, 138 of the Electricity Act. Heard.

The petitioner, who is working as a meter reader is alleged to have submitted incorrect readings of the electricity meter, as a result of which, respondent No.2 - the Punjab State Power Corporation Ltd., incurred losses running into lakhs of rupees. Prima facie, there are serious allegations against the petitioner of concealing the actual consumption of electricity by the consumers and thereafter manipulating and giving incorrect readings qua the said electricity consumption.

JAWALA RAM 2020.08.17 17:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh

CRM-M-22891-2020 - 2 - In view of the above, no ground is made out to extend the extraordinary concession of anticipatory bail to the petitioner. Dismissed.

(MANJARI NEHRU KAUL) JUDGE August 17, 2020 J.Ram Whether speaking/reasoned:

Yes/No Whether Reportable:

Yes/No JAWALA RAM 2020.08.17 17:50 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this document Chandigarh