Balika Vidya Mandir v. Jharkhand State Electricity Board
2002-06-26
SUDHANSU JYOTI MUKHOPADHAYA
body2002
DigiLaw.ai
ORDER S.J. Mukhopadhaya, J. 1. This application has been preferred by petitioner, Balika Vidya Mandir, Jharia for commanding the respondents to raise bills (electrical) on the basis of actual meter reading and not on average basis in respect to connection Nos. JCS 3452 and JCS 5934. Further, prayer has been made to direct the respondents to restore the electrical connection immediately and forthwith in respect to aforesaid two meters. 2. From the pleading made by petitioner, it appears that the meters in question i.e. JCS 3452 & JCS 5934 are defective and are not functioning since long, the petitioner was paying energy charges on average basis. 3. According to respondents the petitioner possesses four electric connections namely JCS 3452A, JCS 3452B, JCS 3452C and JCS 5934. During a joint inspection on 24.8.2000, all the four meters were found defective. The Chairman of Bal Vidya Mandir was requested to get the meters replaced which having not done, in absence of a working meter, the bills were revised on the basis of average of post reading. It is further stated that there are arrears to be paid by the petitioner against all the four meters as detailed at paragraph 21 of the writ petition. 4. The Counsel for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner has already handed over new meters with the respondents and deposited the requisite fee to install them, the petitioner is ready to pay the admitted dues. 5. In the facts and circumstances, taking into consideration the fact that petitioner is a school is allowed to deposit 50% of the arrears of the bill amount of all the four meters. If the 50% bill amount of all the four connection is deposited and the petitioner has handed over four new meters the respondents will install them and restore the connection within a week from the date of receipt of the amount. The balance 50% amount, the petitioner will pay/deposit in two equal instalments by 31st October, 2002. 6. In the meantime, if the petitioner is not satisfy with the bills in question may represent before the competent authority who will dispose of the same. 7. The writ petition stands disposed of with the aforesaid observation and directions.