( 1 ) THE Andhra Pradesh State electricity Board and its suberdinites are the appellants. The respondents laid the action in the suit for a that the notice dated 18-4-1974 demanding them to pay a sum of rs. 5,295/- is neither valid nor binding on them and for a consequantial mandatory injunction for restoration of the supply of electricity.

( 2 ) THE allegations made in support thereof are that they are consumers of electrical energy to their rice mil! at Gopalapuram under Category V. and its consumer No. is 5804. They entered into an agreement with the appellants for the supply of electrical energy. The respondents never committed default in the payment of charges for the electricity consumed as per the meter card. On 19-10-72, the second appellant made a surprise visit to their mill premises and inspected the meter and found to be intact. On a subsequent visit made in November, 1973, it was noticed that the meter was burnt out due to defect in the supply of electrical energy by the appellants. They immediately reported to the subordinates of the appellants. They came and took away the meter and installed a new meter. But surprisingly they received the suit notice da