#public utility services

By holding that the limitation clock starts when the original electricity bill is issued, the Punjab & Haryana High Court ruled that a later supplementary demand arising from short-billing remains enforceable despite the two-year bar in Sec 56(2). This protects utilities from indefinite liability and informs consumers that corrected arrears can be billed even years after the initial invoice.

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.