- (1.) This application has been filed for quashing the supplementary bill raised under Clause 16.9 of the tariff for a sum of Rs. 55,371.60 paisa.
(2.) It appears that petitioner is a L.T.I.S. consumer having connected load of 24 H.P. It further appears that on 10.10.2001 the premises of the petitioner was inspected by an Inspecting team of Jharkhand State Electricity Board. It is further stated that on 13.10.2001 the electrical connection of petitioner disconnected. Thereafter petitioner filed a writ application in this Court vide W.P. (C) No. 5521 of 2001, wherein a Bench of this Court has directed for restoring the electrical connection of the petitioner on payment of requisite/outstanding dues. It is submitted that after the aforesaid order, electrical connection of the petitioner restored by the order of General Manager cum Chief Engineer as contained in Annexure-4. Thereafter the respondents had served a penal bill purported to be issued under Clause 16.9 (A) of the tariff for a sum of Rs. 55,371.60 Paisa. The said bill is challenged in this writ application.
(3.) It is submitted by Ms. Shilpi John, learned counsel for the petitioner that before issuance of aforesaid penal bill, petitioner has not been given any opportunity of hearing which is mandatory. Accordingly, she submits that the impugned bill is violative of principles of natural justice, therefore cannot be sustained. She relied upon a recent judgment of this Court delivered on 24.07.2015 in W.P. (C) No. 4977 of 2001 in M/s Mithila Industries Company, Bokaro, versus Jharkhand State Electricity Board and Others.;