Power Theft Crackdown: Convictions and Fines Surge

In a significant move to combat electricity theft, two individuals have been convicted and heavily fined by the Rohini electricity court. Each faced a fine exceeding Rs 13 lakh, according to Tata Power-DDL's statement released on Monday.

The cases involved a Shalimar Bagh resident found guilty of tampering with an electricity meter and using unauthorized power to charge e-rickshaws at a commercial site. The charges arose from a 2018 inspection by a power utility's enforcement team, which discovered an 18.045 KW non-domestic connection. Subsequently, the court imposed a hefty Rs 13.56 lakh civil liability based on the violations under Sections 135 and 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

Similarly, earlier this month, a Mangolpuri resident received a three-month jail term for direct electricity theft dating back to 2017. This case involved illicit tapping to power e-rickshaws and household needs, disguised under a family member's meter. This conviction led to a civil liability of Rs 13.78 lakh. Tata Power-DDL noted that these convictions are part of seven favorable rulings this year, with additional cases anticipating court review.

(With inputs from agencies.)