THOMAS THOMAS Vs. KERALA STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE petitioner is conducting a small scale industrial unit manufacturing rubber mats and other allied products. The petitioner is also a consumer of electricity. He has been granted a consumer connection by the second respondent with consumer No: 1430. The petitioner is conducting his manufacturing unit under the name Sahrudaya Rubber Industries, Arackathara, Pallom P.O., Kottayam.

(2.) THE premises of the petitioner was inspected by the Assistant Executive Engineer, Anti Power Theft Squad ('APTS' for short), Kottayam on 8.5.2003. On inspection, it was found that the petitioner had tampered with the meter resulting in a reduction in the reading that had been recorded earlier. The petitioner's electric connection was immediately disconnected and he was served with Ext.P4 penal bill dated 9.5.2003 demanding an amount of Rs.10,64,474/ -.

(3.) THE petitioner challenged Ext.P4 in appeal before the fourth respondent as per Ext.P5. He also approached this Court by filing WPC 16092/2003 seeking restoration of electric supply. As per Ext.P6 judgment, the said writ petition was disposed of directing restoration of electric supply to the petitioner on payment of an amount of Rs.2,50,000/ - towards the demand made in Ext.P4. Accordingly, the petitioner paid the said amount and his electric connection was restored. Thereafter, the petitioner's appeal was heard. Though the petitioner had submitted Ext.P7 argument notes his appeal was rejected as per Ext.P9 order dated 19.4.2005.