Smt. Rama Ghosh v. The Chairman And Managing Directors West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd And ORS.

WPA 13000 of 2025 Smt. Rama Ghosh Vs.

The Chairman & Managing Director, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Ors. Mr. Prasanta Kr. Banerjee, Mr. Arindam Ghosh, Mr. Aditya Gayen ...for the Petitioner Mr. Debjit Mukherjee ...for WBSEDCL 20-06-2025 AKG Ct. 15 The petitioner is aggrieved by the installation of a "smart meter" at her premises, which replaced the old prepaid meter.

It is submitted that following the installation of the smart meter, the petitioner's regular monthly electricity bill has increased significantly. It is further contended that the smart meter was installed without any prior notice to the petitioner.

Upon consideration, I find no sufficient justification to entertain this writ petition.

Learned advocate appearing for the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) submits that, pursuant to the order of the Joint Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India dated February 26, 2021, the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) was approved by the State Cabinet of West Bengal on November 2, 2022. Consequently, the roll-out plan for

smart meters by WBSEDCL was implemented in compliance with these directives. The smart meter was installed at the petitioner's premises along with numerous other consumers.

Accordingly, I am of the view that as long as the policy of the State and the Union Government regarding the replacement of old meters remains in force, this Court should not interfere.

If the petitioner has any grievance regarding the bills raised by WBSEDCL, she shall be at liberty to approach the appropriate authority.

Accordingly, WPA 13000 of 2025 is dismissed.

Urgent certified website copies of this order, if applied for, be made available to the parties upon compliance with the requisite formalities.

(Kausik Chanda, J.)