C.M. Rajgarhia vs Jharkhand State Electricity Board and Others

S.J. Mukhopadhaya, J.—In this case, the petitioner has challenged the electricity bills as raised and communicated vide letter No. 978 dated 10th July, 2002 and letter No. 1215 dated 9th August, 2002. The last bill is of Rs. 6,06,694/- (six lacks six thousand six hundred ninety four) including the arrears and current charges.

The grievance of the petitioner is that inspite of earlier order of the Court, the respondents have not provided the audit report to the petitioner nor they have provided the details of break up of arrears against the energy charges, fuel surcharge, D.P.S. etc.

The counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner through deposited a sum of Rs. 92,783/- vide cheque No. 791855 dated 25th July, 2002 but the amount of Rs. 92,783/- has not been adjusted against the arrears nor reflected in the bills, on the other hand the electrical connection was disconnected without any notice.

In the facts and circumstances, the case is remitted to the Electrical Superintending Engineer, Electric Supply Circle, Giridih who will forward the detailed break up of arrears, monthwise, to the petitioner within 15 days from the date of receipt/ production of a copy of this order.

If there remain any grievance, the petitioner may bring the same to the notice of the Superintending Engineer concerned, who in such case will determine the claim.

In the meantime, if the petitioner deposits a sum of Rs. 2.60 lacks (Two lacks & sixty thousand) within 15 days and rest of the bill amount, after adjustment of Rs. 92,783/- (if not adjusted) in two equal monthly instalments, the respondents will restore the electrical connection within 48 hours of deposition of Rs. 2.60 lacks, subject to decision as may be taken by the Electrical Superintending Engineer.

The writ petition stands disposed of with aforesaid observations.