MSEDCL told to pay Rs50K to consumer

MUMBAI: Taking away the electricity meter from a consumer before the due date to pay the bill has cost the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) Rs50,000.

In a recent judgment by the Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (CDRC) of Maharashtra, MSEDCL has been directed to pay a compensation of Rs50,000 to a Thane-based consumer VB Mitkari for removing his electric meter without informing him.

MSEDCL, alleging non-payment of the electricity bill, had removed Mitkari’s electricity meter. In his appeal, Mitkari said that the bill was due on January 20, 2004, while his meter was removed on January 1, 2004. 

As per the Electricity Act, 2003, notice must be given to the consumer before removal of the meter or disconnection.
The case was earlier heard by an additional district consumer forum in Thane, which dismissed rejected this argument and ordered a compensation of Rs5,000, which Mitakri found inadequate and appealed before the CDRC.