The Jharkhand High Court presided over by Justice Gautam Kumar Choudhary, disposed of a writ petition filed by Petitioner seeking the re-connection of his electricity supply, which remained disconnected despite full payment of dues.
The petitioner held an electricity connection in the name of his late mother, approached the Court after paying all outstanding bills and reconnection charges, with receipts duly submitted as evidence. However, the power supply was not restored.
Respondents representing the Jharkhand Bijli Vitran Nigam Limited (JBVNL) submitted that while the dues had been cleared, the reconnection was delayed due to interference by some third parties (outsiders) who obstructed the electricity department officials from carrying out the reconnection work.
The Court found that there was no legal justification for withholding the reconnection once dues were settled. It held that third-party interference cannot be allowed to prevent restoration of essential public services. Consequently, the Court directed that the electricity connection must be restored within two days and ordered the District Administration to assist the Sub-Divisional Officer (respondent no. 3) and electricity department officials in ensuring compliance.
The petition and any connected interlocutory applications were disposed of with these directions.
Advocates appearing for the case:
For the Petitioner : Mr. Mihir Kunal Ekka, Advocate
For the State For the JUVNL : Mr. Nirupama, A.C. to Sr. S.C. II; Mr. Rajesh Kumar, Advocate; Mr. Mayank Deep, Advocate
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