Rama Kant Surelia v. The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation And ORS.
21.05.2025 Sl No.09 Ct. No.15 Suman WPA 5487 of 2025 Rama Kant Surelia -vs- The Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation & Ors. Mr. Arif Ali Ms. Sriparna Mitra ..for the petitioner Dr. Madhusudan Saha Roy ..for CESC Limited A final order of assessment in the present matter was issued on March 6, 2025, directing the petitioner to deposit a sum of ₹2,62,285.
This writ petition has been filed before this Court on March 6, 2025, seeking restoration of the petitioner's electricity connection, which was disconnected on the allegation of meter tampering. It is submitted that the meter room remains under lock and key, and the key is in the possession of private respondent no. 7. The petitioner was in complete dark about the tampering of the meter. Despite service of notice, respondent no. 7 has not entered appearance.
The petitioner further contends that neither the provisional assessment order nor the final assessment order was ever served upon him.
Learned counsel appearing on behalf of CESC Limited disputes the petitioner's assertions. It is
submitted that both the provisional and final orders of assessment were duly served upon the petitioner. Nonetheless, the petitioner has expressed willingness to deposit the assessed amount indicated in the final order, along with the charges for meter replacement and reconnection, without prejudice to his rights and contentions.
It is an admitted position that a revised bill has been issued to the petitioner, requiring him to deposit the finally assessed amount, along with the meter replacement and reconnection charges.
The petitioner is directed to deposit the said amount during the course of the day.
As the writ petition was filed within the statutory period of appeal, liberty is granted to the petitioner to challenge the final assessment order by preferring a statutory appeal before the Appellate Authority within thirty (30) days from the date of this order.
A copy of the report filed today by CESC Limited before this Court, which includes both the provisional and final assessment orders, has been provided to learned counsel for the petitioner. CESC Limited shall restore the petitioner's electricity connection immediately upon deposit of the aforementioned amount.
The Officer-in-Charge of Shibpur Police Station is directed to provide necessary assistance to the officials of CESC Limited to facilitate implementation of this order. The cost of such police assistance shall be borne by the petitioner.
If necessary, the police shall be at liberty to break open the padlock of the meter room.
The Officer-in-Charge shall also ensure that respondent no.7 hands over a key of the meter room to the petitioner.
Accordingly, WPA 5487 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.)