Manki Devi v. Cesc Ltd And ORS.

20.05.2025 Sl. No.1 Ct. No.15 S.A.

WPA 1514 of 2025 Manki Devi -vsCESC Limited & Ors.

Mr. Sourav Guchhait ... for the petitioner Mr. Subir Sanyal Mr. Debanjan Mukherjee ... for the CESC The final assessment order in the present case was made on May 28, 2024. By filing this writ petition on January 8, 2025, the petitioner challenges the final order of assessment-well beyond the statutory period of 30 days for filing the appeal.

Nonetheless, this Court has examined the final order of assessment in detail on its merits. It does not appear to this Court that the said order suffers from any illegality that would warrant interference through judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution of India. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, however, submits that the petitioner is willing to deposit the finally assessed amount in instalments.

In view of the above, this writ petition is disposed of with the following directions:

1. The petitioner shall deposit 50% of the finally assessed amount within two weeks from the date of this order.

2. Upon deposit of 50% of the finally assessed amount along with any incidental charges, the CESC is directed to restore the petitioner's electricity connection.

3. The remaining 50% of the amount shall be paid in ten equal monthly instalments, commencing from the first week of July 2025. Each instalment shall be deposited within the first week of every succeeding month until the balance is fully paid.

4. The petitioner shall continue to pay the current electricity bills, along with the arrears, in accordance with the terms of this order.

5. In the event of any default in payment by the petitioner, the CESC shall be at liberty to disconnect the electricity supply without further reference to this Court.

Accordingly, WPA 1514 of 2025 is disposed of. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be made available to the parties upon compliance with the requisite formalities.

(Kausik Chanda, J.)