A.Lala, J., Debi Prasad Pal, J. - (1.) an eminent lawyer of this Court has filed this writ petition and moved before this Hon'ble Court in person challenging two notices being dated 10th September, 1998 and 22nd September, 1998 issued by Chief Account Officer (South) of Calcutta Telephones by which the petitioner was threatened to disconnect his telephone lines being No. 475-3934, 475-2177 and 474-9377 on account of the purported non-payment of total sum of Rs. 5,26,980/-.
(2.) The contents of the notices are set out serially : Notice dated 10th September, 1998. Dated at Cal 19 the 10,09.98. No. CGM/LOP/EX-MP-4/97-98 Sub : Outstanding bills of Rs. 1,42,775/- against Delhi tel No. 371- 8409 & Rs. 3,84,205/- against Consty tel No. 474-9377. Sir, We have been directed by GM(TR) MTNL, Delhi to take appropriate action according to Indian Telegraph Rules for realisation of outstanding telephone dues from Hon'ble Ex-MPs. In view of this we shall be constrained to withdraw the outgoing facility of your working telephone in Calcutta i.e. 474-9377 on the afternoon of 14.9.98 unless payment particulars of pending bills of Delhi Tel No. 371-8409 and Consty Tel No. 474-9377 are submitted to the undersigned at 3A, Gariahat Road by the forenoon of 14.9.98 for reconciliation. Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, Chief Accts. Officer (South). Notice dated 22nd September, 1998. Dated at Cal 19 the 22-09-98. No.CGM/LOP/EX-MP-4/97-98 Sub : Outstanding bills of Rs. 1,42,775/- against Delhi tel No. 371- 8409 & Rs. 3,84,205/- against Consty tel No. 474-9377. Sir, In compliance with Mumbai High Court Order (Ref : Writ Petition No. 902 of 1997) the outgoing facility of your telephone No. 474-9377 has been withdrawn since 15.9.98. If the outstanding dues have already been paid, then you are requested to kindly submit the payment particulars to the undersigned for reconciliation and immediate restoration of the above mentioned telephone number. However, if the payment particulars are not forwarded to us by 7.10.98, we shall be constrained to withdraw the incoming facility and disconnect the other telephones working in your name, 474-3934 and 475-2177 on 8.10.98. Action taken in this regard will be according to Indian Telegraph Rules. In case of any discrepancy it may kindly be brought to the notice of the undersigned. Inconvenience caused is sincerely regretted. Thanking you, Yours faithfully, Chief Accts. Officer (South).
(3.) It appears from the first notice that the same was issued for an outstanding bill amount of Rs. 1,42,775/- againt Delhi telephone No. 371-8409 and Rs. 3,84,205/- against Constituency telephone No. 474-9377. Therefore, it is abundantly clear that the claim, if any, as made are against these two telephone numbers alone.;