Nagpur: Unauthorized use of electricity has landed a woman in legal trouble, with the Nagpur District and Additional Sessions Court convicting her and imposing a fine of ₹10,000 along with imprisonment till the rising of the court. This marks the second such conviction within a month, sending out a strong warning against illegal power consumption.
According to officials, a Mahavitaran (MSEDCL) inspection team conducted a raid on September 27, 2021, at a residence in Bhankheda area under Tehsil police station limits. During the inspection, Assistant Engineer Shah Rukh Mehmooddin Turak found that the woman had illegally drawn electricity directly from a power pole. The inspection further revealed theft of electricity for domestic use and tampering with the meter.
Based on the findings, a case was registered against the accused under Section 138 of the Electricity Act, 2003.
Accused Pleads Guilty in Court
The case was heard before Additional Sessions Judge S. H. Gwalani. During the proceedings, the accused woman voluntarily admitted her guilt. She submitted before the court that she was the sole earning member of her family and was running a small home-based business for livelihood, seeking leniency in sentencing.
Taking into account her personal circumstances and the fact that it was her first offence, the court deemed it appropriate to impose a monetary penalty instead of a longer jail term. Accordingly, the court sentenced her to custody till the rising of the court and imposed a fine of ₹10,000 as compensation to Mahavitaran, along with a strict warning against repeating such offences in the future.
The prosecution was conducted by Advocate Qazi on behalf of the state. While observing that unauthorized electricity use is a serious offence, the court noted the accused’s cooperation during the investigation while delivering its verdict.
Second Conviction in a Month for Power Theft
In a similar case three weeks ago, District Judge-3 and Additional Sessions Judge S. H. Gwalani convicted another consumer for illegal electricity use, sentencing the accused to imprisonment till the conclusion of court proceedings and imposing a ₹10,000 fine.
In that case, Mahavitaran had disconnected the power supply due to pending electricity bills. However, without clearing the dues or obtaining prior permission, the accused had illegally reconnected the supply and resumed electricity usage. Upon detection, Mahavitaran lodged a complaint at Nandanvan police station in 2021.
After hearing the matter, the court convicted Shamshera Begum Sheikh Babbu and awarded imprisonment till the rising of the court along with a fine of ₹10,000.
Mahavitaran officials reiterated that strict action will continue against power theft and unauthorized electricity usage, urging consumers to adhere to legal norms to avoid penal consequences.
