R R C PITCHUMANI Vs. SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The Petitioner prays for issuance of writ in the nature of certiorari, for quashing the order dated 15.12.2005 passed vide letter No. 2044/AEF/G1/AE2/F.HTSC190/2005 by the Respondent, imposing a penalty of Rs. 26,20,055/-(Rupees twenty six lakhs twenty thousand and fifty five only).

(2.) On 27.07.2005, the electricity HT Service Connection No. 190 in the name of the Petitioner was inspected by the Assistant Executive Engineer(Distribution), Kayathar, along with AEE(MRT), Tuticorin, AEE(Enforcement),Tirunelveli, Executive Engineer(Distribution),Kovilpatti and Executive Engineer(Enforcement),Madurai, in the presence of the representative of the Petitioner viz., Mr. P. Shunmugam, Watchman of that industry. It was recorded by the Inspecting Team that there was theft of energy.

(3.) The allegation against the Petitioner are that he has dishonestly obstructed and consumed energy with an intention to defraud the Board and thereby caused heavy loss of revenue to the Board as per Section 135, 1(a)(b) of Electricity Act, 2003.