Court restrains discom from discontinuing supply to defaulter

Describing electricity as “a basic need”, a city court has restrained energy distribution firm BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BSES YPL) from snapping power supply to the premises of a man accused by the discom of tampering with the meter.

Describing electricity as “a basic need”, a city court has restrained energy distribution firm BSES Yamuna Power Limited (BSES YPL) from snapping power supply to the premises of a man accused by the discom of tampering with the meter.

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Directing BSES YPL not to disconnect the power supply, Additional Sessions Judge Shahbuddin said, “In my considered opinion, electricity is the basic need of every human being in the present day circumstances and hence, a prima-facie case is made out in favour of plaintiff for having the facility of electricity at the suit premises till the final disposal of this case on merits.”

The court’s observation came on a plea of an east Delhi resident, Rajender Kumar Sharma. Sharma told the court that he had secured the power connection at his premises for industrial purposes and a meter was installed in 2004, but after an inspection in 2008, the power distribution firm “arbitrarily” raised a bill of R36.94 lakh, alleging that he had tampered with the meter.

Despite the relief, the court has put a condition that if Sharma fails to pay 35% of the bill within a month, “then the interim protection given in his favour by this order shall stand automatically cancelled by virtue of this order.”