The court allowed a petition for restoration of electricity supply conditioned on payment of outstanding dues, considering the petitioner's age and financial hardship.

JUDGMENT

Sanjeev Sachdeva, J. The hearing was conducted through video conferencing.

2. Petitioner seeks a direction to the respondent to issue a fresh electricity meter and restore the electricity supply to the petitioner.

3. Issue notice. Notice is accepted by learned counsel appearing for respondent no. 2.

4. Learned counsel appearing for respondent no. 2 submits that electricity connection could not be granted as there are two pending theft electricity bills pertaining to CA No. 400413698 of Rs. 61,655/- and CA No. 401368572 of Rs. 139,680/- as on 30.11.2021, respectively. Learned counsel submits that as on date a total sum of Rs. 2,05,553/- is due against the said two bills.

5. Learned counsel appearing for the respondent under instructions submits that after considering the facts and submissions of the case as well as submission of the petitioner, respondents have agreed to grant rebate of Rs. 83,553/- and accordingly petitioner be directed to deposit with the respondent a sum of Rs. 1,20,000/-.

6. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that petitioner is aged 68 years and does not have any independent source of income and accordingly prays that amount be permitted to be paid in instalments.

7. In view of the above, it is directed that petitioner shall pay the said amount of Rs. 1,20,000/- in six equal monthly instalments.

8. On petitioner paying the first instalment of Rs. 20,000/- and completing other financial and codal formalities of the respondent, an electricity connection be provided to the petitioner expeditiously.

9. Petitioner shall thereafter continue to pay the balance amount in instalments along with the regular consumption charges as per the bills to be raised by the respondent from time to time.

10. It is clarified that in case petitioner fails to pay the instalments, respondent would be at liberty to disconnect the electricity supply without recourse to Court.

11. Petition is allowed in the above terms.

12. Copy of the order be uploaded on the High Court website and be also forwarded to learned counsels through email by the Court Master.