Govt dragged in court for miscalculation in electricity bill

Govt dragged in court for miscalculation in electricity bill
HERALD REPORTER
PANJIM, MAY 9
A mistake in calculation of electricity bill almost cost the government dearly. It had to fight it in the Court with appellant M/s Hira Film Distributors to maintain its claim of corrected bill amount of Rs 38,92,872  but will not be able to recover the arrears immediately as the appellant has finally agreed to pay Rs 26,20,772 within a period of one year in twelve monthly installments.
M/s Hira Films Distributors went in appeal when the State raised the bill amount claiming the calculations were not correctly made.
The appellant maintained that they are not responsible for the wrong calculations being made by the officers of the State.
It’s counsel R G Ramani also submitted that a sum of Rs 12,72,101 would not be recoverable in terms of sub-section (2) of the section 56 of the Electricity Act, 2003. Inspite of objections, he said, the appellants would deposit the entire sum of Rs 38,92,872 in case they are given a time of  about three years.
The proposal was not accepted by the State Government. Its counsel Manish Salkar however told the Court that the appellant could be given time of about a year to pay the entire amount of Rs 38,92,872.
In this regard, the Court observed that it would be just and proper in the case the appellants pay the sum of Rs 26,20,772 within a period of one year, in twelve months installments, which they have agreed to pay.
But Court said, they are also free to pay the sum of Rs 12,72,101 in case  they desire, within a year, to avoid interest which they may be required to pay in case it is ultimately held that the said sum was also liable to be paid by them.
The appeal was disposed off with a instruction that the State shall not disconnect the supply to the appellant during pendency of the suit.