WPA/29369/2026 of ANISA KHATUN ALIAS ANISA BEGAM Vs CESC LIMITED AND ORS on 15 October 2026

1. In the instant writ petition, the petitioner’s grievance is about illegal and unauthorized disconnection of her electric meter and connection, at the instance of the private respondents/landlord.

2. The landlord’s contention however, is otherwise, that is, the meter has got disconnected due to a fire accident.

3. Learned advocate for the private respondent/landlord has also submitted that the meter stood in the name of the deceased husband of the petitioner and the petitioner has no privity of contract with the licensee. Also that the petitioner has no right to occupy the premises in the capacity of a tenant, as there is no privity of contract between the landlord and

the petitioner, to that effect. However, admittedly, no steps have yet been taken by the private respondents, for eviction of the petitioner.

4. It is clear that the petitioner’s electricity connection is severed at the present moment. In this regard, Mr. Mukherjee, learned advocate for the CESC, has submitted that the CESC personnel are resisted to inspect the existing meter board where the meter of the petitioner is installed, due to the same being under lock and key at the instance of the private respondents.

5. From the entire submissions and records, the Court is satisfied that regarding the settled possession of the petitioner at the premises concerned, there is no dispute by any of the respondents. In such circumstances, and in terms of the statutory provisions, the petitioner cannot be deprived of the electricity connection.

6. Therefore, it is directed that the respondent CESC shall make inspection to the existing meter board of the premises concerned immediately, if necessary, with the help of police. Respondent no. 4 is directed, in this regard, to extend all possible help and protection to the respondent CESC, including breaking/getting open the padlock on the meter board, if necessary, to give them access to the

meter board. Necessary expenditure for this shall be borne by the petitioner.

7. Expectedly, the private respondents shall also extend cooperation for such inspection to be done by the CESC authorities.

8. It is clarified that after inspection, the CESC shall take appropriate steps in accordance with law for immediate reconnection of electricity line to the premises of the petitioner, by restoring the meter to its original position upon compliance of all requisite formalities by the petitioner and/or taking appropriate lawful steps in accordance with its findings upon inspection.

9. The entire exercise should be completed by the CESC within seven days after the Durga Puja period.

10. With the direction as above the instant writ petition is disposed of.

11. Urgent photostat certified copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities.

(Rai Chattopadhyay, J.)