Electricity Act, 2003
126. Assessment.-
1.
If
on an inspection of any place or premises or after inspection of the
equipments, gadgets, machines, devices found connected or used, or after
inspection of records maintained by any person, the assessing officer comes to
the conclusion that such person is indulging in unauthorised use of
electricity, he shall provisionally assess to the best of his judgment the
electricity charges payable by such person or by any other person benefited by
such use.
2.
The
order of provisional assessment shall be served upon the person in occupation
or possession or in charge of the place or premises in such manner as may be
prescribed.
3.
The
person, on whom an order has been served under sub-section (2), shall be
entitled to file objections, if any, against the provisional assessment before
the assessing officer, who shall, after affording a reasonable opportunity of
hearing to such person, pass a final order of assessment within thirty days
from the date of service of such order of provisional assessment, of the
electricity charges payable by such person.
4.
Any
person served with the order of provisional assessment may, accept such
assessment and deposit the assessed amount with the licensee within seven days
of service of such provisional assessment order upon him:
5.
If
the assessing officer reaches to the conclusion that unauthorised use of
electricity has taken place, the assessment shall be made for the entire period
during which such unauthorised use of electricity has taken place and if,
however, the period during which such unauthorised use of electricity has taken
place cannot be ascertained, such period shall be limited to a period of twelve
months immediately preceding the date of inspection.;
6.
The
assessment under this section shall be made at a rate equal to twice the tariff
applicable for the relevant category of services specified in sub-section (5).
Explanation:- For the purposes of
this section,--
a.
"assessing
officer" means an officer of a State Government or Board or licensee, as
the case may be, designated as such by the State Government;
b.
"unauthorised
use of electricity" means the usage of electricity--
i.
by
any artificial means; or
ii.
by
a means not authorised by the concerned person or authority or licensee; or
iii.
through
a tampered meter; or
iv.
for
the purpose other than for which the usage of electricity was Authorized ; or
v.
for
the premises or areas other than those for which the supply of electricity was
authorised.