JUDGMENT :

Heard Mr. S.K. Kejriwal, learned counsel for the petitioner as well as Mr. K.P. Pathak, learned standing counsel for the APDCL, representing respondent nos.1 and 2. None appears on call for the respondent no.3.

2. The appellate order dated 15.02.2017, passed by the prescribed Appellate Authority constituted under Section 127 of the Electricity Act, 2003 as well as the revised assessment bill dated 18.03.2017, issued by the Assam Power Distribution Co. Ltd. (APDCL for short) have been assailed in this writ petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.

3. The background facts leading to this case is that on 11.04.2016, an inspection team of 8 (eight) APDCL personnel had inspected the electricity metering installation in the premises of the petitioner firm. During such inspection, the APDCL inspection team found that the left side seal of the cabinet box which housed both the LT and CT meter was broken. Accordingly, the said inspection team decided that it was a case of meter tampering. Resultantly, while the electricity power connection of the petitioner was disconnected and a provisional bill for a sum of Rs.5,02,925/- was served on the petitioner. On paymen