GAYATHRI SALES Vs. JHARKHAND STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) According to the petitioner, they are entitled for refund of amount of Rs. 2,25,000/- with interest at the same rate which the respondents are realizing in terms of Clause 11.10.3 of the Electricity Supply Code Regulation, 2005. It has been stated that the petitioner's factory was inspected on 10th June, 2010. In the inspection report, the allegation was made regarding tampering with the seals and to that effect first information report was lodged, alleging that the Electricity Board was put to a loss of Rs. 2,25,000/-. The petitioner, however, paid the said amount, as their line was disconnected. On payment, the electricity line has been restored. The respondents, however, did not initiate any proceeding under Section 126 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and provisional assessment was not made in connection with the alleged theft of electricity. After 30 days, the case of suspected theft of electricity stands dropped. In view of the above, the petitioner is entitled to get refund of Rs. 2,25,000/- deposited by them. For that purpose, the petitioner made request, but the payment was not made. The petitioner, thereafter, filed representation on 9th April, 2012 before the General Manager-cum-Chief Engineer, Singhbhum Area Electricity Board, Jamshedpur. The said representation is still pending and no order has been passed till date. Mr. Ajit Kumar, learned counsel, appearing on behalf of the respondents, submitted that the petitioner's representation is still pending and the same shall be considered and appropriate order shall be passed without further delay.

(2.) Considering the said submissions made by learned counsel for the parties, this writ petition is disposed of, directing the General Manager-cum-Chief Engineer, Singhbhum Area Electricity Board, Jamshedpur-Respondent No. 5 to consider the petitioner's representation and pass appropriate order, in accordance with law, within six weeks from the date of receipt/production of a copy of this order.