#Public Utility Law

Allahabad HC rules that electricity distribution companies do not require prior consent from landowners or occupants under Rule 3 of the Works of Licensees Rules, 2006, when installing electric poles along public roads. The court held the rule applies only to private land, not public rights of way, dismissing a PIL challenging the installation.

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 Rajasthan High Court has ordered Power Grid Corporation to deposit ₹1.22 crore as provisional compensation for right-of-way acquisition over private land, while preserving the landowner’s right to seek full fair market value under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885. This sets a critical precedent for infrastructure projects: provisional payments cannot substitute the statutory right to just compensation, ensuring landowners are not left financially stranded during prolonged valuation disputes.

The Bombay High Court has ruled that electricity suppliers cannot disconnect power without a final assessment order under Section 126 of the Electricity Act, 2003, even in cases of alleged theft. This protects the livelihood of businesses and employees by enforcing procedural fairness and preventing arbitrary deprivation of essential utility, reinforcing natural justice in public utility enforcement.

Madras HC quashes TANGEDCO’s arbitrary disconnection of agricultural electricity, ruling that due process-including notice, hearing, and opportunity to appeal-must precede any levy or disconnection. The court mandates instalment-based restoration of power supply pending adjudication of the disputed Rs. 4.12 lakh demand, reinforcing that public utilities cannot bypass procedural fairness even in cases of alleged unauthorized use.