Sukumar Hazra And ORS. v. West Bengal Electricity Distribution Company Limited And ORS.

August 5, 2024 Sl. No.A 115 Court No.9 s.biswas WPA 11516 of 2024 Sukumar Hazra and others vs.

West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited and others Mr. Tapan Coomaar Dey Mr. Subrata Bhattacharjee Ms. Shreya Chattejee ... for the petitioners Mr. Srijan Nayek Ms. Rituparna Maitra ... for the WBSEDCL

1. This is a case of reconnection of three meters which had been disconnected during the COVID period on the allegation of theft of electricity.

2. The petitioners submit that 50% of the assessed amount had been paid on the assurance that restoration of supply will be effected upon receipt of such amount. 50% of the final assessment had been deposited and thus remaining 50% of the finally assessed amount for each of the disconnected supply is still outstanding.

3. The law provides that electricity supply can be restored upon the person depositing the entire amount without prejudice to the right of appeal. It does not appear that the petitioners had preferred any appeal from the final assessment. The criminal proceeding is yet to be disposed of.

4. Under such circumstances, the prayer for reconnection cannot be allowed unless the finally

assessed amount in respect of all the three meters are paid. The petitioners shall pay the outstanding dues in 15 equal monthly instalments. Upon receipt of the fifth instalment, restoration shall be given. In case of default in payment of remaining instalments, the connection shall be once again disconnected. Cost of reconnection for all the three metres shall be paid.

5. The Station Manager, Jangipara Customer Care Centre will prepare a calculation sheet in terms of this order for each of the connections showing the amount and the date within which the instalments are to be paid. Such calculation shall be supplied within two weeks from date. The test certificate to show that the electrical installations are in good condition shall be provided by the petitioners. Current bills shall be paid upon restoration of supply. In case of default the line shall be disconnected.

6. Accordingly, the writ petition stands disposed of.

7. All the parties are directed to act on the basis of the server copy of the order.

(Shampa Sarkar, J.)