Is the Electricity Meter the Property of the House Owner? Pir Mahal Court Sentences SDO to One-Month Jail for Removing Meter
In Pakistan, there’s often confusion about whether the electricity meter installed at a house belongs to the power company or the homeowner. Recently, a surprising legal decision in Pir Mahal clarified this issue when a court sentenced a WAPDA SDO (Sub Divisional Officer) to one month in jail for unlawfully removing an electricity meter from a house.
Incident Overview:
A resident of Pir Mahal filed a complaint stating that the SDO of WAPDA came to their house and removed the electricity meter without any prior notice or legal procedure. Upon hearing the case, the court declared this act illegal and unjustified, stating that once the consumer has paid for the meter, it becomes their property.
Court’s Verdict:
The local court, after examining the case, sentenced the SDO to one month imprisonment and also imposed a fine. The judge stated that removing a consumer’s meter without due process violates basic rights and can’t be justified under the law.
Legal Perspective:
- Even though the electricity meter is installed by the power company, its cost is paid by the consumer.
- According to court precedents and consumer protection laws, once the consumer pays for the meter, it becomes their personal property.
- A power company cannot remove the meter without legal notice, and if there’s a payment dispute, it must go through proper legal channels before any action.
Message for the Public:
This case sets an important example for citizens:
- If a meter is removed without notice, you have the right to file a complaint in court.
- Always keep evidence (pictures, video, receipts) of the meter and any action taken.
- Consult a legal expert immediately if your rights are violated.
Conclusion:
The Pir Mahal incident highlights that no one is above the law, not even government officers. This ruling reinforces that electricity meters—once paid for—are the property of the consumer, and forcibly removing them without notice is a punishable offense. It’s a strong reminder to both citizens and officials to respect due process and consumer rights.
Legal Point: Is the Electricity Meter the Property of the Consumer?
1. Who Pays for the Electricity Meter?
- When a consumer applies for a new electricity connection, they are required to pay the full cost of the meter as part of the installation charges.
- After payment, the meter becomes the property of the consumer, not the electricity company (such as WAPDA or DISCOs).
2. What is the Legal Procedure to Remove a Meter?
According to NEPRA regulations and consumer protection laws in Pakistan:
- If there’s a billing dispute or non-payment issue, the power company must:
- First issue a written notice to the consumer,
- Then provide a chance to respond or resolve the issue,
- Only if the issue remains unresolved, the company can take action through proper legal channels, often involving court permission.
3. Is Removing a Meter Without Notice a Crime?
- Yes. Removing a meter without notice or legal authorization is considered illegal.
- It falls under “unauthorized interference with private property”, which is punishable under Pakistan Penal Code (PPC) sections related to:
- Criminal trespass
- Tampering with private property
- Misuse of official authority
4. What Did the Court Say in This Case?
- The court stated that since the consumer had paid for the meter, it was legally their personal property.
- The SDO (Sub Divisional Officer) acted without legal notice or justification, which violated the law.
- Therefore, the court sentenced the SDO to one month imprisonment as a legal consequence.
Summary:
The electricity meter is legally the property of the consumer if it has been paid for. No government official or power company has the right to remove it without proper legal procedure. If such an act occurs, the consumer has every right to file a legal complaint and seek justice through the courts.
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