DHOBEI SAHOO Vs. STATE OF ORISSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This Writ Petition is filed by the petitioners, who claim themselves to be the public spirited persons and taking up different causes of the public to ameliorate their grievances, difficulties and sufferings and to seek remedy and justice for them, who are helpless and to protect the public interest. The petitioner no.1-Dhobei Sahoo is the Secretary of Orissa Electricity Employee Federation and working for development of Electrical Energy Sector of State of Orissa and also to protect the rights and interest of electrical consumers of State of Orissa and to see that the power sector functions efficiently for the growth of industry, agriculture and for strengthening the economic position of the State. The petitioner no.2- Debaprasad Mohapatra is a consumer of electricity and a practicing Advocate. Both of them seeking redressal of the grievances of the consumers have filed this Writ Petition urging various facts and grounds.

(2.) The following facts and rival legal contentions are to be examined with a view to find out as to whether the petitioners are entitled to the relief as prayed for in this Writ Petition.

(3.) Prior to enactment of the Electricity Act, 2003, the Orissa Electricity Reforms Act, 1995 (hereinafter referred to as "The Reforms Act") was enacted by the Orissa State Legislative Assembly which was assented to by the President of India.