Bidhan Chandra Mondal v. The State Of West Bengal And ORS.

05.08.2024 Sl. No. M/L. 122 g.b./Sws.M Court No.09 WPA 12156 of 2024 Bidhan Chandra Mondal -VsThe State of W. B. & Ors.

Mr. Asoke Hazra .......For the Petitioner Mr. Srijan Nayek ......For the CESC Ltd.

The petitioner alleged illegal disconnection on account of non-payment of illegally generated consumption bills. Upon payment of Rs. 1.5 lakhs within two weeks along with reconnection charges, supply line of the petitioner shall be restored. The petitioner has raised a billing dispute. It is submitted that the amount outstanding towards unpaid bill is around Rs. 3,65,835/-. It is the contention of the petitioner that since 2020 no consumption could have been recorded as the line has been disconnected. The meter had burnt. It is also submitted that the authority had assured the petitioner that upon installation of a new meter, the bill which the petitioner protested against, as being inflated, would be rectified.

The authorities did not take any action in this regard. The writ petition has been filed praying for restoration of supply. The Regulations provide the manner in which a billing dispute must be decided. The petitioner is at liberty to approach the Regional Grievance Redressal Officer with his contentions. The said dispute shall be resolved upon hearing the petitioner as also the concerned Station Manager. If the petitioner pays the amount, as directed hereinabove along with reconnection

charges, the supply line shall be restored within 48 hours from said compliance.

A test certificate to show that the wiring and the electrical installations are in proper condition, shall also be furnished by the petitioner. Current bills shall be paid in the event of restoration. In case of default, the supply line shall be disconnected.

The writ petition stands disposed of.

Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties expeditiously after compliance of all necessary formalities.

(Shampa Sarkar, J.)