Sandhgya Sahdukan v. Calcutta Electricity Supply Corporation Ltd And Another

17th November, (AK) W.P.A 1421 of 2022 Sandhya Sahdukan Vs.

Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation Ltd. and others Mr. Falguni Bandyopadhyay Ms. Riya Ballav ...for the petitioner.

Mr. Om Narayan Rai Ms. Sumouli Sarkar ...for the CESC Limited.

It is fairly submitted by learned counsel for the CESC Limited, on instruction, that there is, as such, no particular limit to the number of persons to whom electricity connections can be given through a block meter.

It transpires from the factual scenario herein, as also corroborated by learned counsel for the CESC Limited, that although the landlord is enjoying an electricity connection, there is no bar for the petitioner to apply for a new connection and to get the same through a block meter, subject to the petitioner giving an undertaking by swearing an affidavit to the effect that she would not have any objection in future if electricity connection is given to others from the said block meter. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner agrees to such proposal of the CESC Limited.

Hence, there cannot be any impediment in granting the relief prayed for by the petitioner.

Accordingly, WPA 1421 of 2022 is disposed of by directing the CESC Limited to give an electricity connection to the petitioner subject to the petitioner making an appropriate application in that regard and complying with all formalities, including giving an undertaking by way of an affidavit to the effect that the petitioner would not have any objection if electricity connection is given to other consumers from the same block meter as the petitioner.

Such connection shall be given by the CESC Limited as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three weeks from the completion of formalities by the petitioner. It is made clear that the electricity connection, if given to the petitioner, shall not create any special right or equity in favour of the petitioner which the petitioner does not otherwise have in law.

In the event any obstruction is offered from any quarter to the CESC personnel giving such connection to the petitioner by installation of a block meter, it will be open to the CESC personnel to approach the local police station for adequate police assistance.

If so approached, the Inspector-in-Charge/Officerin-Charge of the local police station shall give such assistance to the CESC personnel for the limited purpose

of giving access to the CESC personnel at the cost of the petitioner.

If necessary, the police personnel will be at liberty to remove any padlock if the same is affixed on their way to the meter box position.

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.)