DATE OF FILING                    :     19/02/2014

DATE OF S/R                            :      27/05/2014

DATE OF FINAL ORDER      :     25/09/2014

SRI MAKHAN LAL SARKAR

S/O late Lalit Mohan Sarkar,

16/1, Abinash Banerjee Lane, P.S. Shibpur,

Howrah 711 102.------------------------------------------------------  COMPLAINANT.

-          Versus   -

1)      CESC Ltd.

433, G.T. Road (S), P.S. Golabari,

Howrah 711 101

2)      District Engineer,

CESC Ltd.

433, G.T. Road (S) P.S. Golabari

Howrah - 711 101.

3)      Sri Somnath Banerjee,

son of late Biswanath Banerjee,

67/1/1, Baje Shibpur Road, P.S. Shibpur

Howrah - 711 102 --------------------------------------------OPPOSITE PARTIES.

                                                P    R    E     S    E    N     T

President     :     Shri T.K. Bhattacharya, M.A. LL.B. WBHJS.

Member      :      Shri P.K. Chatterjee.

      Member       :     Smt. Jhumki Saha.     

     F   I   N   A    L       O   R   D    E     R

1.                  The instant case was filed by complainant   U/S 12 of the  C.P.  Act, 1986,

as amended against the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd. alleging deficiency in service U/S 2( 1 )( g ),  2( 1 )( o ) of the C.P. Act, 1986 wherein the complainant has prayed for direction upon the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd. to provide new electric connection ( loop ) through separate meter  at the schedule premises 67/1/1, Baje Shibpur Road, P.S. Shibpur, Howrah,  together with compensation and litigation costs as the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd.   in spite of observing the necessary formalities by the complainant has been deferring the supply of electricity for want of free access at the complainant schedule premise. 

2.                  The brief facts of the case is that the complainant applied before the O.P. Nos.

1 & 2  CESC Ltd.   for a separate domestic meter supply at his occupied premises as tenant at the schedule premises. Attempts for  inspection was also  carried out on the dated 21-08-2013 and 22-08-2013  by the o.p. nos. 1 & 2, CESC Ltd. But the same is not accelerated due to non availability of free access at the meter board position. Hence the case.  

3.                  Notice was served upon the the o.p. no. 3 but neither they appeared nor did

they submit any written version for which ex parte order  was made against him.    

4.                  Upon pleadings of both parties two points arose for determination :

i)          Is there any deficiency in service on the part of the O.Ps.  ?

ii)                  Whether the complainant is  entitled to get any relief as prayed for ? 

DECISION  WITH   REASONS      :

      5.               Both the points are  taken up together for consideration.      Since the complainant being a lawful occupier ( tenant )   is suffered for want of electricity and the  o.p. nos. 1 & 2, CESC Ltd. are  willing to install the electric meter (loop )  but  objection raised by o.p. no. 3 cannot sustain   at this critical juncture as per Electricity Act ( 36 of 2003 ), Ss 43, 176, 67 – Works of Licensee Rules ( 2006 ) which runs as under :

            “Persons in settled possession of property be it trespasser, unauthorized encroacher squatter of any premises, can apply for supply electricity without consent of co-sharer   – Is entitled to get electricity and enjoy same  by due process of law.” [ Reference W.B.  no. 423 of 2010, dated 11-02-2011 before the Hon’ble High  Court registered AIR 2011 Cal P-64 ].

6           From the above we have our considered opinion that under  Section 43 of

Electricity Act, 2003, occupier has a statutory right, and licensee as distribution company has a statutory obligation to give  electric connection to occupier – Pendency of suit with the other  the electric connection cannot change nature and character of the property. 

            Therefore, we are of the view that the complainant has a genuine demand and in view of the present position of law as elaborated, his demand requires to be fulfilled.

            Both the points are accordingly disposed of.

            In the result, the complaint succeeds.

      Hence,

                                    O     R     D      E      R      E        D

      That the C. C. Case No. 84 of 2014 ( HDF 84 of 2014 )  be  and the same is allowed on contest against O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd. and ex parte  against o.p. no. 3  but without cost.

      The O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd.  be directed to provide  new service connection at the schedule premises of the complainant  within 45  days from the date of this order  after conducting site inspection including raising of MASD Bill giving top most priority. 

      The O.P. No. 3 is  hereby restrained from causing any disturbance at the time of effecting the service connection at the meter room position to effect the new connection through separate meter ( loop ).

      If thereby any resistance by anyone including the o.p. no. 3  against effecting the service connection at the meter room position, the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd.   shall be at liberty to take necessary assistance or protection from Shibpur  P.S. The O/C Shibpur  P.S. shall be under obligation to provide necessary assistance or protection to the men and officer of the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd. for providing connection at the meter room position to effect the connection  in case of approach made by the O.P. Nos. 1 & 2  CESC Ltd.

      No costs both compensation and litigation are awarded. 

      The complainant is at liberty to put the decree into execution after expiry of the appeal period.

      Supply the copies of the order to the parties, as per rule.            

DICTATED  &    CORRECTED

BY   ME.  

  (   P. K. Chatterjee )                                                          (    P. K. Chatterjee)

  Member,  C.D.R.F.,Howrah.