Spl courts to deal with power theft

Chandigarh, Jan 5 (UNI) The Punjab and Haryana High Court has approved the proposal of Haryana Government for setting up of special courts under the Indian Electricity Act, 2003 which provides stringent measures against those found accused of pilferage of electricity.

A spokesman for the Haryana Power Utilities said a notification to this effect was being issued under which proposal to designate the courts of Additional District and Session Judge-II and III in each district as special courts had been approved.

He said that cases of electricity theft would be referred to these courts by the respective District and Session Judges.

The spokesman said the persons accused of electricity theft would be liable for criminal and civil penalties which would be determined and imposed by these special courts.

He said the setting up of these courts would help the Power Utilities in reducing the cases of electricity theft and line losses. These courts would also help in expediting the prosecutions against the accused besides improving power availability to genuine and honest consumers.

UNI