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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.
MP State Consumer Commission awards Rs. 3,000 compensation for harassment by electricity officials, even when meter testing revealed no fault. The ruling reinforces that consumer harassment constitutes deficiency in service under the Consumer Protection Act, regardless of technical findings.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court ruled that disputes over electricity security deposits fall under 'public utility services' as defined under Section 22A(b) of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, affirming the jurisdiction of Permanent Lok Adalats. The Court upheld an award directing refund of Rs. 1,14,310 with interest and compensation, setting a precedent for consumer disputes involving public utilities.