Electricity Act, 2003
160. Protection of
telegraphic, telephonic and electric signalling lines.-
1.
Every
person generating, transmitting, distributing, supplying or using electricity
(hereafter in this section referred to as the "operator") shall take
all reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his
electric lines, electrical plant and other works and in working his system so
as not injuriously to affect, whether by induction or otherwise, the working of
any wire or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephone or electric
signalling communication, or the currents in such wire or line.
2.
Where
any difference or dispute arises between the operator, and the telegraph
authority as to whether the operator has constructed, laid down or placed his
electric lines, electrical plant or other works, or worked his system, in
contravention of subsection (1), or as to whether the working of any wire, line
or current is or is not injuriously affected thereby, the matter shall be
referred to the Central Government and the Central Government, unless it is of
opinion that the wire or line has been placed in unreasonable proximity to the
electric lines, electrical plant or works of the operator after the
construction of such lines, plant or works, may direct the operator to make
such alterations in, or additions to, his system as may be necessary in order
to comply with the provisions of this section, and the operator shall make such
alterations or additions accordingly:
Provided
that
nothing in this sub-section shall apply to the repair, renewal or amendment of
any electric line or electrical plant so long as the course of the electric
line or electrical plant and the amount and nature of the electricity
transmitted thereby are not altered.
1.
2.
3.
Where
the operator makes default in complying with the requirements of this section,
he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason
thereof, and, where any difference or dispute arises as to the amount of such
compensation, the matter shall be determined by arbitration.
Explanation : For the purposes of
this section, a telegraph line shall be deemed to be injuriously affected if
telegraphic, telephonic or electric signalling communication by means of such
line is, whether through induction or otherwise, prejudicially interfered with
by an electric line, electrical plant or other work or by any use made thereof.