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The Allahabad High Court has ruled that access to electricity is a fundamental right under Article 21, and authorities cannot deny connection to a lawful occupant solely due to lack of title deed. This sets a critical precedent for vulnerable residents-especially women and displaced persons-in securing basic utilities regardless of property ownership disputes.
Patna High Court reinforces that electricity licensees must accept and process connection applications from occupiers within four weeks, even if they lack ownership documents, under Section 43 of the Indian Electricity Supply Act, 2003 and Clause 4.13(B) of the Bihar Electricity Supply Code. The ruling mandates compliance with statutory duty, protecting occupiers' rights to essential utilities.
The Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that cutting off electricity to vulnerable residents over a private property dispute constitutes a violation of the right to life under Article 21. It ordered immediate temporary power restoration without demanding ownership documents, setting a precedent that basic utilities cannot be weaponized in civil or familial conflicts.
NCDRC rules that electricity utilities cannot impose transformer or other retrospective charges without prior disclosure to consumers. The ruling reinforces that concurrent findings on service deficiency are protected under revisional jurisdiction, impacting all service providers governed by the Consumer Protection Act.
Kerala High Court holds that Electricity Board cannot withhold power connection due to absence of Revenue NOC when land tax receipts and building certificates are produced.