P N RAVISANKAR Vs. SUPERINTENDING ENGINEER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THE appellant is aggrieved against the order of the learned single Judge, dated 18. 07. 2007, passed in W. P. (MD)No. 2466/2004, which was filed by him challenging the order of the first respondent, dated 16. 09. 2004, affirming the assessment order of the 2nd respondent dated 06. 05. 2004.

(2.) THE appellant is running a business under the name and style of M/s. Gopi and Ganesh Water Service Station in Kovilpatti and he has got electricity service connection No. NT 18 for 8 HP from the Tamil Nadu Electricity board. On 15. 04. 2004, the Anti Power Theft Squad of the respondent Electricity board inspected the premises of the appellant and found that the MRT Seals were broken and the removal of meter cover was also found. It was also found that the meter was stopped from functioning whenever the consumer wants using electricity.

(3.) BASED upon the inspection, on 06. 05. 2004, the Executive engineer (Oandm), TNEB, Kovilpatti, has issued proceedings stating that the appellant had to pay a sum of Rs. 49,727/- towards the value of the energy stolen and as the appellant came forward for compounding the offence, a compounding charge of Rs. 48,514/- was also fixed. It is also stated therein that the compounding charge of Rs. 48,514/- was already collected and the party requested for five instalments to pay Rs. 49,727/- as the compensation charges towards the theft of energy.