Safikul v. Wbsedcl And ORS.

9th March, (AK) W.P.A 3265 of 2022 Safikul Vs.

The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited and others (Via Video Conference) Mr. Musharaf Alam Sk.

Ms. Susmita Ghorai ...for the petitioner.

Ms. Suvasree Ghose ...for the WBSEDCL.

Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that although the petitioner is agreeable to pay the final amount assessed by the Distribution Licensee, the petitioner requires some installments in payment of the balance amount, after depositing Rs. 1 lakh out of the total dues within a limited period.

However, final orders of assessments are appealable under the Electricity Act, 2003. Such appeal, if preferred, is subject to payment of 50% of the final assessment dues.

The partial deposit of dues for the purpose of reconnection is de hors the scope of the 2003 Act, since the said Act clearly provides that only in the event of payment of full dues, restoration of connection will be given.

In such view of the matter, the prayer of the petitioner cannot be allowed.

Accordingly, WPA 3265 of 2022 is dismissed without any order as to costs.

However, this order shall not prevent the petitioner from paying up the entire amounts due to the WBSEDCL for the purpose of getting his reconnection.

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

(Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, J.)