JUDGMENT :

1. By the present writ petition, the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Ltd. (MSEDCL), a licensee under the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as ‘the 2003 Act’), question the legality of the award passed by the Permanent Lok Adalat, Aurangabad, in Pre-litigation Application Dispute No.44/2018, under which the petitioner has been directed to issue regular bills to the applicant Shri. Badrinath Pema Rathod, who had instituted the said application. Further direction is issued to the applicant to clear the bills and on payment of the same, the petitioner is directed not to disconnect his electricity supply.

2. Heard the learned Counsel Shri. A.S. Shelke for the petitioner and the learned Counsel Shri. S.P. Koli for the respondent. Rule. Rule is made returnable forthwith and heard finally by consent of the parties.

3. Before the merits of the award impugned can be appreciated, it is apposite to refer to the brief facts leading to the passing of the impugned award by the Permanent Lok Adalat. Shri. Badrinath Pema Rathod, resident of Plot No. 48, Bhakti Nagar, Aurangabad, is the owner of the house property situated on the plot and is