Bablu Saha v. The Cesc Ltd And ANR
Sl. No.20 21.04.2025 Suman Ct. 15 WPA 4444 of 2025 Bablu Saha Vs.
CESC Limited and Anr.
Mr. Purnasish Gupta Mr. Mukul Kumar Mitra Mr. J. K. Mukhopadhyay ..for the petitioner Dr. Madhusudan Saha Roy Mr. Debanjan Chatterjee ..for the CESC Limited The petitioner alleges that CESC Limited has issued an inflated electricity bill for the month of October 2024, amounting to ₹1,43,440/-, whereas his average consumption over the preceding six months has ranged between ₹1,000/- and ₹1,500/-. Accordingly, the petitioner seeks the quashing of the impugned bill. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of CESC Limited submits that, should the petitioner dispute the bill, he is at liberty to approach the appropriate Grievance Redressal Officer in accordance with Regulation 6 of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (Guidelines for Establishment of Forum for Redressal of Grievances of Consumers and Time and Manner of Dealing with such Grievances by the Ombudsman) Regulations, 2013.
In light of the statutory remedy available to the petitioner, liberty is granted to him to make a representation before the Grievance Redressal Officer within a period of two weeks from the date of this order for redressal of his grievance.
Prima facie, it appears that the bill issued for October 2024 is inconsistent with the petitioner's average consumption as reflected in the previous bills issued by CESC Limited.
Accordingly, CESC Limited is restrained from disconnecting the petitioner's electricity supply on the ground of non-payment of the bill for the month of October 2024, for a period of six months or until a decision is rendered by the Grievance Redressal Officer, whichever is earlier, subject to payment of current bills. It is further clarified that the Grievance Redressal Officer shall adjudicate the dispute independently and without being influenced by any observations made in this order.
Accordingly, WPA 4444 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.)