Md Merajul Hoque v. The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited And ORS

17.10.2023 mb

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction Appellate Side W.P.A. No. 22912 of 2023 Md. Merajul Hoque Vs.

The West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Ors.

Ms. Prativa Ghatak, Ms. Debarati Sen (Bose) .... for the petitioner Ms. Gopa Roy, ....for the WBSEDCL 1.

Affidavit-of-service filed in Court today be kept on record.

2.

Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner contends that the petitioner is a poor cultivator. The petitioner complained of a defective meter, which has been replaced in the meantime. It is further contended that during the period when the defective meter was operating, huge bills have accumulated, the veracity of which is being challenged by the petitioner.

3.

Such contentions are controverted by learned counsel appearing for the WBSEDCL (West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited). 4.

Since the subject-matter of the dispute now boils down to the veracity of the bills raised in the meantime, the concerned G.R.O. (Grievance Redressal Officer) is the appropriate authority to resolve the same.

5.

Accordingly, W.P.A. No. 22912 of 2023 is disposed by granting liberty to the petitioner to approach the G.R.O., Malda Regional Office, with the grievance as ventilated in the present writ petition pertaining to the bills for the period when the defective meter was operating.

6.

If such a challenge is preferred by the petitioner within seven working days from date before the said G.R.O., the G.R.O.

shall decide the same in accordance with law upon giving adequate opportunity of hearing to all concerned, preferably within December 15, 2023.

7.

Prior to disposal of the said grievance, in the meantime, if the petitioner approaches the G.R.O within seven working days from date, the WBSEDCL shall not disconnect the electricity connection of the petitioner on the ground of non-

payment of bills, which are disputed before the G.R.O.

8.

There will be no order as to costs.

9.

Urgent photostat certified copies of this order, if applied for, be made available to the parties upon compliance of all necessary formalities.

(Sabyasachi Bhattacharyya, J.)