Electricity Act, 2003
138. Interference
with meters or works of licensee.-
1.
Whoever,--
a. unauthorisedly
connects any meter, indicator or apparatus with any electric line through which
electricity is supplied by a licensee or disconnects the same from any such
electric line; or
b. unauthorisedly
reconnects any meter, indicator or apparatus with any electric line or other
works being the property of a licensee when the said electric line or other
works has or have been cut or disconnected; or
c. lays or causes to be
laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other
works belonging to a licensee; or
d. maliciously injures
any meter, indicator, or apparatus belonging to a licensee or willfully or
fraudulently alters the index of any such meter, indicator or apparatus or
prevents any such meter, indicator or apparatus from duly registering,
shall be punishable
with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine
which may extend to ten thousand rupees, or with both, and, in the case of a
continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to five hundred rupees;
and if it is proved that any means exist for making such connection as is
referred to in clause (a) or such reconnection as is referred to in clause (b),
or such communication as is referred to in clause (c), for causing such
alteration or prevention as is referred to in clause (d), and that the meter,
indicator or apparatus is under the custody or control of the consumer, whether
it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved,
that such connection, reconnection, communication, alteration, prevention or
improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and willfully caused by
such consumer.