Power theft cases needs to be dealt with strictly: Bombay high court

Alarmed at power thefts in the city, the Bombay high court on Tuesday converted into a PIL a petition filed against power thefts by hawkers and the alleged inaction of the BEST to control it.

Stating that the accused were let off in 37 of the 38 power theft cases, justice BH Marlapalle and justice Anoop Mohta said: “There is an urgent need to look into the issue and to establish special courts and more relevant laws to arrest those accused of [power] thefts.” The court also directed the state government to file an affidavit in the case in a week.

Peeved about the BEST’s inability to being power thieves to book, the court cautioned the power supply provider in the Island City. “Any service industry depends on its service efficiency. Inefficiency leads to sickness and sickness leads to death and that should not happen,” the court said.

The court was hearing a plea filed by Musafirkhana resident Mohammed Dastagir Saeed who moved the court after the BEST disconnected their electric supply instead of taking action against those who are stealing electric supply. Last week, the court had summoned the general manager of the BEST to court to explain what steps it proposes to take against those stealing power.

Arguing for the BEST, senior counsel VA Thorat told the court that the BEST does not have powers to curb electricity thefts. “We need powers,” Thorat told the court.

“Why can’t you disconnect the meter?” justice BH Marlapalle asked. Thorat said even in theft cases, the moment that the bill is paid, the meter is re-connected.

Thorat added that special courts are required to try offences of power thefts as the acquittal rates are very high in such cases and the police have not filed chargeshets in a number of them.

The court took note of the blame game between the BEST and the police and directed the state to file a reply in one week.