Goutam Joshi v. The Superintending Engineer And ANR.

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR ] ...

WPA/215/2022 Goutam Joshi ... Petitioner Vs.

The Superintending Engineer and another

...Respondents

Mr. V.D.Sivabalan ... for the petitioner Mr. KMB Jayapal ... for the respondent July 1, 2022 [SR] Item No.2 The petitioner complains of inaction on the part of the respondent statutory authorities in reconnecting the electric meter of the petitioner.

Admittedly, the petitioner was provided with the electricity connection in respect of the subject premises. However, it appears that the subject electric meter particulars whereof appear at paragraph 3 of the petition had been disconnected by the statutory respondent authorities. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that notwithstanding having been made an application for reconnection, the statutory authorities have refused to act in respect thereof.

On behalf of the statutory authorities, Mr.Jayapal submits that any steps to restore a permanent

disconnection can only be considered in terms of the Act and the Rules and after the petitioner complies with the provisions of Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 of the Supply Code, 2018. A copy of the Notification is also handed over to the Advocate appearing on behalf of the petitioner. In view of the aforesaid, the writ petition is disposed of by granting liberty to the petitioner to take appropriate steps in accordance with the aforesaid provisions under the Supply Code 2018.

With the aforesaid directions, WPA/215/2022 stands disposed of.

It is expected that since an essential service is the subject matter of the present dispute on the condition that the petitioner strictly complies with all the prescribed statutory formalities, the respondent authorities will act expeditiously in dealing with the grievance of the petitioner. ( Ravi Krishan Kapur, J.)