Ratan Das v. The Andaman And Nicobar Administration And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT AT CALCUTTA

[ CIRCUIT BENCH AT PORT BLAIR *** WPA/924/2023 Ratan Das Vs.

The Andaman Nicobar Administration and others Ms. G.Mini ... for the petitioner Mr. Rakesh Kumar ... for the respondents September 20, 2023 [SR] Item No.21 It is a matter of great concern that an application for providing electricity at the site in possession of the petitioner is still kept pending and no decision has yet been taken in this regard.

The petitioner has annexed a copy of the letter issued on 13th July, 2018 by the Assistant Commissioner, Diglipur to the Executive Engineer, Electricity Department, NAD, Diglipur forwarding a copy of the said application and to take appropriate and fair decision thereupon.

Electricity is one of the essential amenities of life. The Electricity Act, 2013 does not create any distinction on the status of the occupants. The moment the application for providing electricity is made, it is expected that the authority should dispose of the same within a time indicated in the said Act having not done consequences are also provided thereof.

Be that as it may, the matter is pending for pretty long time and, therefore, the authority must show alacrity in taking a decision in the said application.

This Court, therefore, directs the respondent no.3 to take up a decision on the said application filed by the petitioner within four weeks from the date of communication of this order.

With the above observations and direction, the writ petition is disposed of. No order as to costs. Urgent Photostat certified copies of this order, if applied for, be made available to the parties subject to compliance with requisite formalities.

( Harish Tandon, J. )