JUDGMENT

Vinod S. Bhardwaj, J. (Oral) - The instant writ petition raises an issue with respect to the entitlement of an occupier of premises to seek electricity connection in terms of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and as to whether a licensee would be deemed to be a lawful occupier of the premises entitling him to release of electricity connection under the Electricity Act, 2003.

2. The petitioner seeks issuance of writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondent No.2 - the Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (for short 'the PSPCL') to release the electricity connection domestic (DS) at House No.2905, Sector 32-A, Ward No.11, Chandigarh Road, Ludhiana.

3. The dispute is an outcome of a dispute between brothers. Petitioner No.1 claims to be residing at the ground floor of the aforesaid premises for the last more than 20 years and in support thereof, he has placed reliance on the Voter I-card issued by the Election Commission of India, the Aadhar Card, the Passport issued by the Ministry of External Affairs as well as the copy of the bank account, all reflecting