Spot Billing Meter Readers Welfare Association v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

20.06.2023 Item No.4 PG/KS Ct. No.1 W.P.A.(P) 271 of 2023 Spot Billing Meter Readers Welfare Association VS The State of West Bengal & Ors.

Mr. Tathagata Majumdar Ms. Neha Chakraborty ..........for the Petitioner Mr. Supratim Dhar ........for the State Mr. Debanjan Mukherjee .....for the W.B.S.E.D.C.L.

1. This writ petition by a Welfare association of Spot Billing Meter Readers has been filed on an apprehension that they will lose their job as soon as smart meters are installed.

2. We are of the view that such apprehension is absolutely baseless and there is no material placed by the petitioner to state that the members of the association will be rendered jobless if the smart meters are installed.

3. We also find that a writ petition has also been moved, which is now pending before the learned Single Bench.

4. In the facts and circumstances of the case, we are not inclined to entertain the prayer as a public interest litigation. However, we leave it open to the aggrieved persons to agitate their

grievances in the manner known to law before the appropriate forum.

5. With the above observations, the writ petition stands disposed of.

6. No costs.

7. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be furnished to the parties expeditiously upon compliance of all legal formalities.

(T. S. SIVAGNANAM) CHIEF JUSTICE (AJAY KUMAR GUPTA, J.)