KEWAL TRADING COMPANY Vs. STATE OF PUNJAB

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Prayer made in this writ petition is for quashing of the instructions / circulars, Annexures P1 and P2, issued by the Punjab State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as 'the Board'), in exercise of its powers under Section 79 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, requiring the petitioners and such other like industries to construct a new room at the entrance of the factory premises for installation of the meter/metering equipment so that it is easily accessible for recording of reading, testing of meters and checking of connections.

(2.) Instructions/circulars, Annexures P1 and P2, have been challenged primarily on the grounds that the meters in the factory premises of the petitioners' mills are already functioning smoothly for the last number of years and the seals fixed by the Board are checked from time to time by the field staff; that no additional burden could be put on the petitioners for constructing the said rooms which may cost at least Rs. 50,000/- to Rs. 60,000/- each; that the instructions/circulars, Annexures P1 and P2, would cause inconvenience to the petitioners as they shall have to keep Chowkidars to guard the room outside the factory premises and that the meters in the room outside the factory premises can be damaged by disgruntled workers or labour union members.

(3.) Notice of motion was issued, in response to which reply has been filed.