44. Penalty for interference with meters or licensee's works and for improper use of energy .-Whoever-
(a)connects any meter referred to in section 26, sub-section (1), or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in section 26, sub-section (7), with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply-line [* * *]; or(aa)[ unauthorisedly re-connects any meter referred to in sub-section (1) of section 26, or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in sub-section (7) of section 26, with any electric supply-line or other works, being the property of the licensee, through which energy may be supplied, when the said electric supply-line or other works has or have been cut or disconnected under sub-section (1) of section 24; or] [ Inserted by Act 31 of 1986, Section 3 (w.e.f. 14.8.1986).](b)lays, or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee [* *] [ The words " without such licensee's consent" omitted by Act 32 of 1959, Section 32.]; or(c)maliciously injures any meter referred to in section 26, sub-section (1), or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in section 26, sub-section (7), or wilfully or fraudulently alters the index of any such meter, indicator, or apparatus, or prevents any such meter, indicator or apparatus from duly registering; or(d)improperly uses the energy of a licensee;[shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both ] [ Substituted by Act 31 of 1986, Section 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 14.8.1986).]and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to [fifty] [ Substituted by Act 1 of 1922, Section 19, for " thirty" .] rupees; and [if it is proved that any artificial means exist] [ Substituted by Act 1 of 1922, Section 19, for " the existence of artificial means" .] for making such connection as is referred to in clause (a), [or such re-connection, as is referred to in clause (aa),] [ Inserted by Act 31 of 1986, Section 3 (w.e.f. 14.8.1986).] or such communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for causing such alteration or prevention as is referred to in clause (c), or for facilitating such improper use as is referred to in clause (d), [and that] [ Substituted by Act 1 of 1922, Section 19, for " shall, where" .] 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,] [ Substituted by Act 1 of 1922, Section 19, for " be prima facie evidence" .][that such connection, re-connection, communication,] [Substituted by Act 31 of 1986, Section 3, for certain words (w.e.f. 14.8.1986).] alteration, prevention or improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and wilfully caused by such consumer.
