In Brief
This appeal concerns the authority of a state electricity distribution company to assess and recover losses from unauthorized electricity consumption. The court held that the company can make provisional and final assessments under Section 126(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003, regardless of whether the consumer seeks restoration of supply or files a police complaint. The court clarified that while not all unauthorized use is theft, theft of electricity falls within unauthorized use. The appeal was allowed, upholding the distribution company's assessment powers.
The lawyer headnote and full judgment text are available to registered users.