CHANDIGARH: Stating electricity stealing as an economic offence, a local court awarded three years imprisonment to a resident of Sector 28 for tampering with electricity meter by breaking the M&T aluminum seals twice.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on him. Showing no leniency, the court order also reads: “Theft of electric energy for financial gains has achieved gigantic proportions and this practice causes loss not only to the state exchequer, but also puts a pressure on honest consumers. Any person indulging in such activities does not deserve any leniency. This court is of the considered opinion that this is an economic offence wherein society as a whole is victim and honest payers are sufferers. Such convicts deserve no leniency.”
The matter dates back to January 5, 2016, when a complaint was made by Rakesh Mahajan, sub-divisional officer, electricity, against Hareet Singh Gill, a resident of Sector 28A, on account of electricity theft under Section 135 of the Electricity Act 2003. It was further informed that the meter (CHEP 21483) of the consumer, Hareet Singh, was checked, packed and sealed by the enforcement wing of the Electricity ‘OP’ Circle.
On June 21, 2013, on account of doubt on authenticity of M&P seals, the meter was again checked on November 25, 2013, in the M&P lab of the electricity department.
After arguments, the court convicted him and jailed him for three years along with imposition of fine.
Source: timesofindia.indiatimes
