Sk. Giasuddin And ORS. v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

19th January, (AK) W.P.A 592 of 2023 Sk. Giasuddin and others Vs.

The State of West Bengal and others Ms. Nibedita Chakraborty ...for the petitioners.

Ms. Susmita Chatterjee ...for the WBSEDCL.

Mr. Tapan Adhikary Mr. Md. Zeeauddin ...for the State.

Learned counsel for the WBSEDCL submits, on instruction, that the concerned Station Manager is empowered to grant up to six instalments.

In view of such fair stand being taken by the WBSEDCL, which is appreciated, and keeping in mind the unfortunate financial condition of the petitioners, the petitioners are granted instalments.

Accordingly, WPA 592 of 2023 is disposed of by directing the petitioners to pay the entire outstanding amount due and payable by the petitioners to the WBSEDCL, including Late Payment Surcharge (LPSC) charges coming to Rs.79,318.68/- by six equal monthly instalments.

The first such instalment shall be paid by February 10, 2023 and thereafter by the tenth of each succeeding month. The remaining balance, if any, approximated to the nearest rupee, shall be cleared off with the last instalment.

Upon the first such instalment being deposited by the petitioners with the WBSEDCL, the WBSEDCL shall restore the electricity connection of the petitioner within 48 hours from such payment.

Such restoration, however, shall be subject to continuation of the payment of each instalment in time, that is, within the tenth of each succeeding month thereafter by the petitioners, along with the current electricity charges payable for each month.

In the event there is any default in payment of such amounts by the petitioners, however, the WBSEDCL shall be at liberty to disconnect the electric supply of the petitioner again for non-payment of such amount without further reference to court.

The WBSEDCL shall issue a bill giving the detailed breakup of the entire outstanding dues as per the WBSEDCL to the petitioners, directly or through learned counsel for the petitioners, within a week from date. There will be no order as to costs.

Urgent photostat copies of this order, if applied for, be given to the parties upon compliance of all requisite formalities.

(Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, J.)