Utpal Mondal v. The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. And ORS.
22.04.2025 Sl. No.7 Ct. No.15 S.A.
WPA 4370 of 2025 Utpal Mondal -vsWest Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Ors.
Mr. Probal Sarkar ...for the petitioner Mr. Debjit Mukherjee ...for WBSEDCL The petitioner alleges that the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) has raised inflated bills for his husking mill, and further contends that the electricity connection for the mill was disconnected due to nonpayment of these inflated bills. It is also submitted that the load recorded on the meter has been incorrectly noted.
Learned counsel for WBSEDCL, on the other hand, submits that the issue should be addressed by the concerned Grievance Redressal Officer and, therefore, this Court should refrain from entertaining the matter, given the availability of an alternative remedy.
However, I am not inclined to refer the petitioner's matter to the Grievance Redressal Officer. It is necessary for WBSEDCL to recheck the load on the meter, and this exercise should be undertaken by the concerned officials of WBSEDCL.
Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed of with the following directions:
The petitioner shall pay 50% of the outstanding dues as of the date of this order within seven days. Upon receipt of such payment, the electricity connection shall be restored.
The petitioner is directed to continue paying the current electricity bills.
An inspection of the premises shall be carried out by the officials of WBSEDCL within two weeks from the date of this order. Based on the inspection report, WBSEDCL shall, if necessary, issue a revised bill to the petitioner.
If the petitioner does not pay the revised bill or the current bills, WBSEDCL shall be at liberty to disconnect the line of the petitioner.
Accordingly, WPA 4370 of 2025 is disposed of. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the learned advocates for the parties on usual undertakings.
(Kausik Chanda, J.)