S.N.MISHRA, J. - (1.) HEARD Mr. Biren Poddar, learned counsel for the petitioner as well as Mr. Tapen Sen. learned counsel for the respondent State Electricity Board. In this case, prayer of the petitioner is for a direction to the respondent -Electricity Board and its officials to provide electric connection to the petitioner in her residential premises being holding No. 160A, Plot No. 160, Ward No. 20. Khazanchi Road, Hazaribagh. It is submitted that the petitioner has purchased the holding, in question, from one Santosh Devi vide registered sale deed dated 8.8.2000. who in turn had purchased the said holding from one Janki Ram. The electric connection is being refused on the ground that there are some dues against the said Janki Ram. who was the owner of the holding, in question earlier. This Court has repeatedly held that the electric connection cannot be refused merely on the ground that some dues is pending against the erstwhile owner of the building. Inspite of the repeated directions having been issued by this Court, it seems that the respondent authorities have no regard to the judicial order passed by this Court, as a result, the ultimate sufferer are the consumers who had to approach this Court for redressal of the grievances. Accordingly, the respondent -authority is directed to provide electric connection to the petitioner within forty eight hours from the date of receipt/production of a copy of this order on deposit of requisite fee, if not already deposited.
(2.) MEANWHILE , the Assistant Electrical Engineer, Urban Electric Supply Sub - Division, who has refused to provide the electric connection is directed to appear personally before this Court on 26th March, 2001, at fO.30 a.m. to explain as to why an appropriate action be not taken against him for completely ignoring the judicial order of this Court. Before I part with this order, I may observe that the General Manager, who is the competent authority in this regard must issue a general direction to his subordinates not to refuse the electric connection on such flimsy ground henceforth. This disposes of this writ application. Application disposed of.;