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Rajasthan High Court - Jaipur

Ashish Sharma Son Of Shri Satyanarayan ... vs Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd on 3 November, 2023

Author: Sameer Jain

Bench: Sameer Jain

[2023:RJ-JP:31410]

        HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE FOR RAJASTHAN
                    BENCH AT JAIPUR

          S.B. Writ Miscellaneous Application No. 115/2019

Anant Kasliwal S/o Shri Ram Chandra Kasliwal, R/o Sb-14,
Bhawani Singh Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur-15.
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                         Versus
1.       State       Of    Rajasthan,          Through          Principal    Secretary,
         Department           Of     Urban       Development           And    Housing,
         Secretariat, Jaipur.
2.       The      Commissioner,             Jaipur       Development         Authority,
         Jawahar Lal Nehru Marg, Jaipur.
                                                                      ----Respondents
                                   Connected With
                  S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 8543/2016
M/s Solanki Dye Chem Magic Text Through Its Proprietor Ishak
Mohd. S/o Ali Mohammed, Plot No. 1-B, S.m.s. Colony, Maharani
Farm, Sanganer, Jaipur Raj.
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                         Versus
1.       State Of Rajasthan Through Principal Secretary, Water
         Resource, Govt. Secretariat, Jaipur
2.       The Principal Secretary, Urban Development, Secretariat,
         Jaipur
3.       The Commissioner, Jaipur Development Authority, J.l.n.
         Marg, Jaipur
4.       The Chairman, Discom, Vidyut Bhawan, Janpath, Jaipur
5.       The A.e.n. B-Iv, Jaipur Vidyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Jaipur
                                                                      ----Respondents
                     S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 680/2019
Shakuntala Sharma W/o Shri Ravikant Sharma D/o Shri Lala
Ram Sharma, Aged About 26 Years, R/o Plot No. 2, Shribalaji
Vihar, Heerapath Road, Golyawas, Mansarovar, Jaipur
                                                                         ----Petitioner
                                         Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur, Through Its Managing Director

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2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur, Through Its Secretary
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 5189/2019
Mohan Lal Sharma Son Of Shri Rameshwar Prasad Sharma, Aged
About 48 Years, R/o Plot No. A-5, Shanti Niketan Colony, Barkat
Nagar, Jaipur.
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6762/2019
Smt. Sushila Devi Wife Of Shri Shankar Lal Sharma, Aged About
58 Years, R/o Plot No. 35, Shribalaji Vihar, Heerapath Road,
Golyawas, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6877/2019
Lalaram Sharma Son Of Shri Kishan Sharma, Aged About 50
Years, R/o Plot No. 76, Giriraj Nagar, Patrakar Road, Golyawas,
Mansarovar, Jaipur (Raj.)
                                                                    ----Petitioner


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                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur, Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Japur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6878/2019
Babu Lal Sharma Son Of Shri Lalaram Sharma, Aged About 29
Years, R/o Plot No. 76, Parasram Nagar, Patrakar Road,
Golyawas, Mansarovar, Jaipur (Raj.)
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur, Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Japur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6886/2019
Pushpa Sharma Wife Of Shri Babulal Sharma, Aged About 49
Years, R/o Brahmano Ki Dhani, Beed, Etawa Bhop Ji, Jaipur
(Raj.)
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur, Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Japur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 8744/2019
Mahendra Sharma Son Of Shri Lalaram Sharma, Aged About 23


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Years, R/o Plot No. 76, Parasram Nagar, Patrakar Road,
Golyawas, Mansarovar, Jaipur (Raj.)
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 8754/2019
Gauri Shankar Sharma Son Of Shri Jagannath Sharma, Aged
About 66 Years, R/o Kulchaniya Ki Dhani, Kanota, Jaipur (Raj.)
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 9700/2019
Smt. Santosh Devi Sharma Wife Of Shri Nirmal Kumar Sharma,
Aged About 40 Years, Resident Of 72, Shiv Vatika, New
Sanganer Road, Mangyawas, Jaipur.
                                                                    ----Petitioner
                                    Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                 ----Respondents


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                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11856/2019
Ashish Sharma Son Of Shri Satyanarayan Sharma, Aged About
26 Years, R/o Plot No. 161, Mahaveer Nagar-B, Muhana Road,
Village Golyawas, Tehsil Sanganer, District Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                  ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 11943/2019
Kailashchand Sharma Son Of Late Shri Roopnarayan, Aged About
48 Years, Resident Of Plot No. 24, Parasram Nagar, Golyawas,
Mansarovar, Jaipur (Raj.).
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
         Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
         Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                  ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 14667/2020
Lokesh Kumar Son Of Shri Jagannath Prasad Verma, Aged About
30 Years, Resiident Of Plot No. 73-A, Hanuman Vihar, Near
Brahman Ki Thadi, Village Khejado Ka Bas, Tehsil Sanganer,
District Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.       Jaipur Vidhyut Vitran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
         Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,


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          Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur.
                                                                  ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 4836/2021
Lalaram Sharma S/o Late Shri Kishan Sharma, Aged About 50
Years, R/o Plot No. 69, Shri Balaji Vihar, Golyawas, Mansarovar,
Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.        Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd, Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
          Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.        The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd,
          Kiran Path, Mansarovar, Jaipur
3.        Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
          Jln Marg, Jaipur, Through Its Secretary.
                                                                  ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10045/2021
Beena Choudhary Wife Of Shri Jeet Singh, Aged About 68 Years,
Resident Of Plot No. K-22, Maa Vaishno Devi Nagar, Gandhi Path-
West, Lalarpura Road, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.        Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
          Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.
2.        The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
          Bhankrota, Jaipur.
3.        Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
          Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                  ----Respondents
                 S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 10080/2021
Harish Kumar Shrivastav S/o Shri Govind Narayan, Aged About
49 Years, Resident Of Plot No. 2, Maa Vaishno Nagar, Gandhi
Path-West, Lalarpura Road, Vaishali Nagar, Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
1.        Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd., Vidhyut Bhawan, Jyoti
          Nagar, Jaipur Through Its Managing Director.


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 2.       The Assistant Engineer, Jaipur Vidhyut Vitaran Nigam Ltd.,
          Bhankrota, Jaipur.
 3.       Jaipur Development Authority, Ram Kishore Vyas Bhawan,
          Jln Marg, Jaipur Through Its Secretary.
                                                                  ----Respondents
            S.B. Writ Miscellaneous Application No. 1/2023
 Anant Kasliwal Son Of Shri Ram Chandra Kasliwal, R/o Sb-14,
 Bhawani Singh Marg, Bapu Nagar, Jaipur.
                                                                     ----Petitioner
                                     Versus
 1.       The State Of Rajasthan, Through Principal Secretary
          Department      Of     Urban       Development           And   Housing,
          Secretariat, Jaipur.
 2.       The Commissioner Jaipur Development Authority, Jln
          Marg, Jaipur.
                                                                  ----Respondents


For Petitioner(s)          :     Mr. Bipin Gupta, for JVVNL
                                 Mr. Prahlad Sharma
                                 Ms. Sunita Sharma
                                 Mr. Rajesh Kapoor
For Respondent(s)          :     Mr. G.S. Bapna, Sr. Adv. with
                                 Mr. Banwari Singh
                                 Mr. R.P. Singh, AAG with
                                 Mr. J.S. Shekhawat
                                 Mr. P.N. Bhandari, Amicus Curiae
                                 Mr. Rachit Sharma for
                                 Mr. Jai Lodha


                HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SAMEER JAIN
                                      Order

Reserved on:                     02/06/2023
Pronounced on:                   03/11/2023

1.      Since common question of law is involved in all these

matters, with the consent of the parties, they were heard together

and are now being decided by way of this common order, with S.B.

Writ Miscellaneous Application No. 115/2019 being taken as lead

file.

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BACKGROUND

2.    The misc. application along with the connected writ petitions

pertains to release of electricity connection to premises situated in

Prithvi Raj Nagar Scheme (for short "PRN scheme") of the Jaipur

Development Authority, Jaipur (for short "JDA"). The PRN Scheme

has been the subject of various litigation in not only this Court,

but also before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. In the last round of

litigation, Co-ordinate Bench of this Court, vide order dated

05.07.2013 in S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 2740/2013 & other

connected petitions titled as 'Sugan Singh & Ors. vs. State of

Rajasthan & Ors.' reported in 2013 SCC OnLine Raj 2070,

while hearing a challenge to the order dated 21.06.2012 issued by

Department of Urban Development and Housing (for short "UDH")

which directed JDA to allot plot in favour of illegal occupier of the

land after taking certain charges, passed the following directions:

            "The perusal of the rule quoted above shows that in
      what circumstances and to what extent government can
      relax the rules. In the light of the provision aforesaid and as
      said rules have been invoked while passing the impugned
      order, the rate fixed for allotment of land cannot be
      interfered as such in view of the policy decision of the
      government. Rule 8, 9, 12, 14, 14B, 15, 15A and 17 of the
      Rules of 1974 provide manner and procedure for allotment
      of land. Rule 31 of the Rules of 1974 however gives power
      to government to relax rule for price, size of plot etc. This
      rule has been invoked looking to various aspects which
      include size of people to be affected and if a decision for
      allotment in accordance with the rules and for planned
      development of the area is not taken, demolition of
      thousands of houses with reconstruction would be nothing
      but a national wastage.

            It is, however, necessary to comment that an
      area is developed only when government gets
      sufficient funds hence while fixing the rates for
      development charges, it should be at the actual cost
      to be borne by the respondents for development of


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      the area thus development charges should be fixed
      keeping in view the aforesaid and the area should be
      developed immediately in the planned manner. For
      the aforesaid purpose, if constructions are to be
      removed, then this judgment will not come in the
      way of the respondents, rather they are directed not
      to   sacrifice   planned     development   to   save
      encroachments and illegal constructions. It should
      be carried out as per the plan.

           In view of the detailed discussion on all the issues,
      the writ petitions are allowed with following directions-

      1. The respondents are directed to allot plots to those
      petitioners who not only remained successful in the draw of
      lottery but deposited the amount pursuant to the demand
      letter issued to them. It would obviously leaving those who
      had withdrawn their amount or opted for other scheme(s)
      followed by issuance of lease deed.

      2. The respondents may further consider cases of another
      category of petitioners who had deposited registration fee
      and paid the amount in part pursuant to the draw of lottery
      and demand letter. It would be expected of the respondents
      that a proper and sympathetic view would be taken for
      second category of petitioners at the earliest and, if
      possible, within a period of three months from the date of
      receipt of copy of this order. This would exclude those who
      had opted for other scheme and thereupon given lease deed
      or withdrawn the amount.

      3. So far as the impugned order dated 21.6.2012 at
      Annexure-16B, passed by the Principal Secretary,
      Department of Urban Development and Housing (UDH) (in
      CW 2740/2006 "Sugan Singh v. State of Rajasthan") is
      concerned, it cannot be given effect to as it has not been
      expressed in the name of HE the Governor so as to comply
      the mandate of rule 11 of the Rules of Business so as Article
      166(1) of the Constitution of India. The respondents would
      however be at liberty to pass fresh order in accordance with
      rule 11 of the Rules of Business so as Article 166(1) of the
      Constitution, if it has not already been issued.

      4. The respondents are further directed to even carry out
      development work of Kalpana Nagar area where some of
      the initial applicants not only opted but given lease deed.
      Such development should be carried out in phased manner
      and, if possible, within a period of six months.




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      5. A direction has been given in para (3) above not to give
      effect to the order dated 21.6.2012 as it has not been
      expressed in the name of HE the Governor, however, the
      issue pertaining to it has been raised in the writ petition and
      discussed. A request is made by both the parties for
      necessary directions thus further directions are issued.
      Following directions would apply if fresh order is issued or
      has already been issued as per liberty given above.

      A. The respondents will not sacrifice development of
      the area rather development would be made as per
      the plan. If any encroachment or construction is
      raised creating obstruction for planned development
      of       road,      facility       area        etc,  such
      construction/encroachment would be removed by the
      respondents. They would however be at liberty to
      rehabilitate such persons in accordance with the Rules of
      1974 or by a policy decision, if not already framed.

      B. The allotment of commercial                 plots       should   be   in
      accordance with the Rules of 1974.

      C. The allotment of plots for residential purpose would be
      subject to the directions in para (A) above. The
      respondents would further make distinction between
      those who raised construction and those who did not
      raise construction on the disputed land. The
      respondents are directed to take proper decision as to
      whether allotment should be made in favour of those who
      raised construction after 9.4.2003, the date of stay order
      passed in Suo Motu Writ Petition No. 6709/2002, which was
      finally disposed of by this court vide order dated
      29.10.2010. If decision comes favourable taking into
      consideration larger public interest and to avoid demolition
      of construction resulting in national wastage, then also they
      are directed to appropriately determine penal amount or
      higher rate of allotment for those who raised construction
      after the date mentioned above. The identification of
      such persons would be made based on the date of
      electricity connection on the plot. The respondents
      would further be at liberty to impose lesser penalty on
      those who are poor and small plot holders i.e. who are
      having plot size upto 250 square yards.

      D. The cases of those applicants who had either opted or
      granted lease deed elsewhere or withdrawn the amount
      would not be reviewed and will have no right pursuant to
      the judgment of this court as on withdrawal or issuance of
      lease deed elsewhere, their applications got exhausted.



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      E. The respondents are further directed to determine
      the development charges after taking note of the
      amount required for development of road, electricity,
      sewerage etc. The amount so collected would be used
      for proper development of the area with required
      infrastructure.

      F. Till the allotment is made in favour of the
      petitioners or others, respondents are directed not to
      release electricity connections. This is to avoid
      possibility of further construction without allotment
      of plot.

      In case of any difficulty in carrying out the directions
      aforesaid or otherwise, affected parties would be at liberty
      to make appropriate application before this court for
      clarification/modification.
      (emphasis supplied)"

3.    The bone of contention in this misc. application along with

the connected writ petitions is the condition F, as reproduced

above, which necessitates a valid allotment in favour of any

person seeking release of electricity connection. Being aggrieved

of the said condition, the applicant-JVVNL has filed the present

misc. application.

SUBMISSIONS OF PETITIONERS

4.    Learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL, Mr. Bipin Gupta,

submits that as the applicant-JVVNL was not a party in Sugan

Singh (supra), the applicant-JVVNL is constrained to file the

present application for modification of order dated 05.07.2013, in

pursuance to liberty being granted by this Court vide order dated

05.07.2013. Learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL submits that

the restrictions imposed vide condition F regarding non-release of

electrical connection is causing serious operational and financial

crisis to the applicant-JVVNL, which is an instrumentality of State,

and such loss to the applicant-JVVNL is loss to the public

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exchequer. It is submitted that a number of houses have already

been constructed and people living there are using the electricity

in an unauthorized manner. It is contended that such theft in the

area is difficult to control on account the people living there and

especially the dire law and order situation which is created as and

when the Anti Evasion Squad visits the area concerned. The

resultant position is that there is large scale electricity theft in

PRN, which is difficult to control. Learned counsel for the

applicant-JVVNL has also highlighted that there is constant

apprehension of injury to life/limb of the employees of the

applicant-JVVNL who are tasked with the responsibility of ensuring

proper electrical supply and prevention of theft in PRN Scheme

due to threat from a large number of users who are forced to take

supply of electricity in an unauthorized manner due to the

restriction imposed by this Court. Learned counsel for the

applicant-JVVNL has also emphasized that the applicant-JVVNL is

also facing a lot of operational issues/losses in the form of

destruction/obstruction to the transmission lines in the PRN

Scheme by the users of electricity who tamper with the supply

infrastructure.

5.    On merits, learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL submits

that Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 casts an obligation

upon the applicant-JVVNL to supply electricity to either the owner

or   occupier     of   the   premise        entitled       to      receive   electricity

connection. It is contended that electricity being a basic right,

Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 casts an absolute obligation

upon the applicant-JVVNL to ensure supply of electricity to the

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owner or occupier of the premise entitled to receive the supply. As

per Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003, all that the applicant-

JVVNL has to see is whether the person seeking supply of

electricity is in occupation of the premise that is entitled to receive

supply. Whether the occupation of said premise is lawful or not is

of no consequence and would not hinder the statutory obligation

cast upon the applicant to ensure supply of electricity. On the said

aspect and on the expansive interpretation of the word 'occupier',

learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL has relied on the following

judgments:

i.)     Dilip (Dead) through L.Rs. vs. Satish and Ors. (Neutral

Citation: 2022/INSC/570);

ii.)    Laxmi Ram Pawar vs. Sitabai Balu Dhotre and Ors.:

AIR 2011 SC 450;

iii.)   K.C. Ninan vs. Kerala State Electricity Board and Ors.

(Neutral Citation: 2023/INSC/560): 2023 (8) SCALE 564;

iv.)    Abhimanyu Mazumdar v. Superintending Engineer: AIR

2011 Calcutta 64;

v.)     Amarendra     Singh         vs.      Calcutta            Electric   Supply

Corporation Ltd. and Ors.: AIR 2008 Calcutta 66;

vi.)    Tarun Dey v. Andaman & Nicobar Administration: 2018

SCC OnLine Cal 5582;

vii.) Tamil Nadu Electricity Board and Ors. vs. Jayanthi

Sundhar and Ors.: AIR 2015 Madras 197;

viii.) Sudharshan Kumar Sharma and Ors. vs. State (NCT of

Delhi) and Ors. (Neutral Citation: 2022/DHC/004833):

2022 SCC OnLine Del 3720;

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ix.)   Om Parkash v. Balkar Singh: 2022 SCC OnLine P&H

3733;

x.)    Kanubhai Jethabhai Rohit and Ors. vs. State of Gujarat

and Ors.: AIR 2018 Gujarat 21.

6.     Learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL further submits that

the prayer of the petitioners in Sugan Singh (supra) has been

successfully addressed by the JDA and furthermore the directions

of this Court have been complied with in letter and in spirit. It is

submitted that as per JDA letter dated 07.08.2018, the grievance

of all the petitioners in Sugan Singh (supra) have been

addresses and they have either been allotted plots in the PRN

scheme or allotted plots in Kalpana Colony. Thus, the endeavour of

this Court to protect and give primacy to the bona-fide and

legitimate rights of the petitioners therein over the encroachers by

not releasing electricity connection to the latter has already been

achieved.     Learned      counsel      for    the     applicant-JVVNL   further

contends that grant of electricity connection cannot regularize the

claim of encroachers, nor will grant of electricity connection create

any right whatsoever in favour of the purported encroachers. The

JVVNL and JDA, though instrumentalities of the same State, are

distinct bodies with different functions and powers. Any electricity

connection      by   the    applicant-JVVNL             cannot    immunise   the

encroachment from appropriate action, nor can any trespasser

claim that since Discom has released electricity connection, no

action be taken against his/her encroachment.

7.     Supporting the contentions made by Mr. Bipin Gupta, learned

counsel for the applicant-JVVNL, learned counsels for the various

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petitioners contends that lease deed/patta is not sine qua non for

release of electricity connection. It is contended that electricity is

an essential service and right to receive essential service is a

fundamental right guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution

of India, which cannot be restricted on technical ground of not

having lease deed of a premise which is otherwise entitled to

receive supply of electricity.

8.     Learned counsel cum Amicus Curiae, Mr. P.N. Bhandari,

submits that the operation of Section 43 of the Electricity Act,

2003    cannot       be     diluted,      directly      or     indirectly,   since   the

constitutional validity of Section 43 of Electricity Act, 2003 is not

challenged. Learned Amicus Curiae has relied on Hon'ble Apex

Court judgment in the case of Dhanraj vs. Vikram Singh (Civil

Appeal No. 3117/2009; decided on 10.05.2023) to submit

that there being no challenge to the vires of provisions of

Electricity Act, 2003, and in absence of specific pleading, Writ

Court should not go into the issue of repugnancy. It is submitted

that the case of Sugan Singh (supra) was only concerned about

the development of PRN Scheme and since the Discoms were not

a party therein, no opportunity was given to the Discoms to make

submissions about the legal implication of Section 43 of the

Electricity Act, 2003. It is further submitted that by virtue of

condition F, the Co-ordinate Bench had in effect stayed the

operation of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003. In the opinion

of the learned Amicus Curiae, since such a stay should not and

could not have been granted, necessary modification of order

dated 05.07.2013 is required. Learned Amicus Curiae further

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opined that issuance of lease deed and grant of electricity

connection are two separate and independent exercises with one

having no bearing on the other. Merely because electricity

connections are released to occupants of a premise which is

entitled to receive supply, would not preclude the JDA or other

competent        authorities        to      proceed          against          the     land

grabbers/encroachers, as the release of electric connection to

anyone cannot fortify the claims of any trespasser.

SUBMISSIONS OF RESPONDENT

9.    As per the minutes of meeting dated 03.05.2023, which was

presided over by Chief Secretary, State of Rajasthan, the stand of

the State is that denying the supply of electricity to residents of

PRN Scheme who do not possess lease deed/patta would not be in

consonance with Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

10.   Per    contra,   learned       senior       counsel          Mr.   G.   S     Bapna,

representing the JDA, and the erstwhile counsel for JDA, Mr. Punit

Singhvi, have opposed the prayer made in the present misc.

application along with the connected writ petitions. At the outset,

learned counsels for the JDA emphasized that the Co-ordinate

Bench judgment of Sugan Singh (supra) dated 05.07.2013 has

not been assailed and has thus attained finality. As per learned

senior counsel for the JDA, 'occupier' has to be read as 'peaceful

occupier'. As per him, the UDH order dated 22.12.2014 is still in

force, which necessitates presentation of lease deed/patta to

secure electricity connection in the area/scheme in question.

Learned counsels for the JDA have taken the Court through the

history of the PRN scheme and have placed strong reliance on

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judgment of Division Bench of this Court in Suo Moto vs. State

of Rajasthan (D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6709/2002;

decided on 29.10.2010) and judgment of Co-ordinate Bench of

this Court in the case of Sugan Singh (supra) to submit that the

endeavour of both the Division Bench and Co-ordinate Bench was

to ensure the planned development of PRN Scheme strictly in

conformity to the provisions of law.

11.    Highlighting the intricate history of the PRN Scheme, learned

counsels for the JDA submits that the land was acquired for the

scheme to establish a residential colony. The said acquisition was

challenged by several people, but the acquisition was upheld both

by this Court and the Hon'ble Supreme Court. The Scheme

however faced a lot of implementation challenges on account of

the challenge to the land acquisition proceedings and the fact that

a few housing societies formulated their own schemes and allotted

plots to the people. At one stage, the State government decided

to de-acquire the land vide order dated 23.09.2002, a decision

which was stayed by Division Bench of this Court by taking suo

moto    cognizance.     The     order      23.09.2002             was    subsequently

withdrawn and the Division Bench thereupon decided suo moto

petition vide order dated 29.10.2010 in D.B. Civil Writ Petition No.

6709/2002 confirming acquisition of land and vesting it in the

government. A further direction was also given to carry out

planned development of the area. A restraint order was also

passed against construction apart from continuing other interim

orders passed from time to time in suo moto petition. One such

interim order was a clarificatory order dated 07.08.2008 which

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clarified that the restrain order(s) passed in suo moto petition was

against the building activities and not against the JDA to take

necessary steps to develop the area. Thereafter, due to mushroom

growth of PRN scheme in a haphazard manner, the government

introduced a policy for allotment of government land to the

persons who are already in possession of the land and the amount

collected from such allotment by the JDA was to be used for

development of PRN Scheme. This move of the government was

again challenged in the case of Sugan Singh (supra) by the

allottees of PRN Scheme who contended that this exercise of the

government was nothing but regularization of encroachment by

land grabbers. However, the Court refused to interfere in the

policy decision of the government but granted relief to those

allottees who had deposited the due amount in pursuance of the

draw of lottery. It was in this context that the condition F was

imposed, so as to ensure that the restrain orders remain effective

and that planned development of PRN Scheme can take place.

12.   Learned counsels for the JDA have also highlighted that till

date about 62,454 lease deed/pattas have been issued by the JDA

in PRN Scheme which has generated a revenue of about Rs.

162165.77 lakhs. It is contended that the lease deed/pattas on

the other plots have not been issued for a variety of reasons, such

as plot/construction being located in facility area; in close

proximity to high tension line; dispute between khatedars and

housing societies; overlapping and multiplicity of different plans;

commercial activities being carried out at residential plots;

multiple society pattas of same plot; construction on public road

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etc. Learned counsels for the JDA contends that if the present

misc. application is allowed and electricity connections are

released to any one and everyone, no one will cure the

deficiencies pointed out and apply for lease-deed/patta thereby

affecting not only the revenue to the tune of approximately Rs.

456 crores, but also the planned development of the PRN scheme

as directed by both Division Bench & Co-ordinate Bench of this

Court.

13.   Learned counsels for the JDA further submits that the

petitioners can always get the deficiencies cured and thereafter

apply for lease deed/patta and get the electricity connection in

accordance with law. So far as the applicant-JVVNL is concerned, it

is contended that the misuse or theft of electricity cannot be a

ground to review/modify the order dated 05.07.2013, which has

attained finality, as the Discom should ensure that strict action is

taken against anyone involved in theft of electricity as the

Electricity Act, 2003, which is a self-contained code, provides

them with ample powers to penalize and prosecute the offences

contained therein.

14.   Answering the query of this Court, learned counsel for the

JDA also filed an affidavit to clarify that the Law Secretary for the

State of Rajasthan or Director (Law) of JDA did not participate in

the meeting held on 03.05.2023, presided over by the Chief

Secretary for the State of Rajasthan, nor did they tender any

opinion in writing. However, it is clarified that the affidavit was

filed without prejudice to the stand of the State Government or

that of JDA taken in the meeting conducted on 03.05.2023.

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ANALYSIS

15.   Heard the arguments advanced by all the sides, scanned the

record, and considered the judgments cited at Bar.

16.   It is noted that judgment of Sugan Singh (supra) dated

05.07.2013, of which modification/review is sought, has attained

finality since the same was never appealed. Before proceedings to

the merits of the case, it is important to note that the lis in

question arises out of misc. application seeking modification in

order dated 05.07.2013 passed by Co-ordinate Bench of this

Court. While entertaining such application, this Court does not sit

in appeal over the decision of Co-ordinate Bench. Regardless of

the consensus of the parties, this Court can only interfere with the

order of Co-ordinate Bench of equal strength when there is an ex-

facie manifest and apparent error leading to grave injustice. The

misc. application seeking modification or review cannot be an

appeal in disguise to substitute the view of the Court.

17.   In this background, it is also important to note that the

entire controversy regarding the PRN Scheme, which has had a

chequered and troublesome history, was considered not only by

the Co-ordinate Bench, but also by the Division Bench of this

Court in Suo Moto vs. State of Rajasthan (D.B. Civil Writ Petition

No. 6709/2002) and only thereafter consistent orders were passed

to ensure planned development of the PRN scheme. The pith and

substance of the orders in suo moto proceedings in D.B. Civil Writ

Petition No. 6709/2002 as well as the judgment of Sugan Singh

(supra) dated 05.07.2013 is to ensure the planned development

of PRN Scheme. On that aspect, this Court, not being the Court of

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Appeal, cannot diverge with the view taken by the Co-ordinate

Bench         in    the     judgment          of    Sugan         Singh        (supra)         dated

05.07.2013.

18.       With that being the case, what remains to be determined is

whether allowing this misc. application along with other connected

writ petitions and relaxing the condition imposed vide condition F

would go against the tenet of planned development of PRN

scheme.

19.       Coming first to the misc. application filed by the applicant-

JVVNL. The applicant-JVVNL had initially accepted the judgment of

Sugan Singh (supra) dated 05.07.2013 and had accordingly

passed restraint orders dated 22.12.2014 and 24.12.2014. The

said restraint orders are reproduced as under:

                                            jktLFkku ljdkj

                                          uxjh; fodkl foHkkx

Øekad %i-6¼15½ukfofo@3@87 ikVZ                                     t;iqj fnukad%& 22-12-2014

v/;{k ,oa izcU/k funs"kd]

t;iqj fo|qr forj.k fuxe fy- t;iqjA

          fo'k;%& i`Fkohjkt uxj ;kstuk {ks= esa fo|qr dusD"ku tkjh fd;s tkus ds laca/k esaA



egksn;]

          mijksDr fo'k;kUrxZr ekuuh; mPp U;k;ky; esa fjV ;kfpdk la[;k 2740@06@ lqxu flag

cuke jkT; ljdkj ,oa vU; esa ikfjr fu.kZ; fnukad 05-07-13 ds Øe esa jkT; ljdkj }kjk fnukad 30-

09-14- dks ;kstuk {ks= esa Hkwfe vkoaVu dh izfØ;k fu/kkZfjr dh tk pqdh gSA ftlds Øe esa t;iqj fodkl

izkf/kdkj.k t;iqj }kjk Hkwfe fu;eu f"kfoj yxk;s tkdj {ks=okfl;ksa ds iV~Vk&foys[k ¼yht MhM½ tkjh

fd;s tk jgs gSaA

          vr% ekuuh; mPp U;k;ky; }kjk ikfjr fu.kZ; fnukad 05-07-13- dh vuqikyuk esa iwoZ foHkkxh;

vkns"k i-6¼15½ukfofo@3@87 ikVZ t;iqj fnukad 05-05-12- dks vf/kØfer djrs gq, fu.kZ; fuy;k x;k gS




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fd ftu Hkw[k.Mksa esa i`Fohjkt uxjh; iV~Vk&foyks[k ¼yht MhM½ tkjh gks tkrs gSa] mudh fu;ekuqlkj

fo|qr dusD"ku fn;k tk ldrk gSA

        vuqikyuk lqfuf"pr dh tkosA

                                                                                vkKk ls]

                                                                             ¼jktsUnz flag "ks[kkor½

                                                                          la;qDr "kklu lfpo&r`rh;

izfrfyfi% fuEufyf[kr dks vko";d dk;Zokgh gsrq lwpukFkZ izsf"kr gS&

1-      vk;qDr] t;iqj fodkl izkf/kdj.k] t;iqj

2-      jf{kr i=koyhA



Ø- tsihMh@v/kh-v-¼ok-½@lh&1@,Q-4¼210½ikVZ&19@izs-                             fnukad%& 24-12-2014

                                                 vkns"k
        fo'k; %& i`Fohjktuxj ;kstuk {ks= esa u;s fo|qr dusD"ku tkjh fd;s tkus ds laca/k esaA

        Jheku izeq[k "kklu lfpo] uxjh; fodkl] vkoklu ,oa Lok;Rr "kklu foHkx] jktLFkku ljdkj]

t;iqj ds i= Øekad i 6¼15½ufofo@3@08 ikVZ t;iqj fnukad 05-05-2013- dh vuqikyuk esa bl

dk;kZy; }kjk tkjh vkns"k la- 714 fnukad 10-05-2012- ¼tsihvkj 5&648½ }kjk t;iqj fodkl izkf/kdj.k

dh t;iqj&vtesj jksM+ ds mRrjh o nf{k.kh Hkkx esa vkoklu e.My dh ekuljksoj ;kstuk ds vkxs o`gn~

vkoklh; i`Fohjkt uxj ;kstuk esa uohu fo|qr laca/k tkjh djus ij vfxze vkns"k rd izfrcU/k ykxw

fd;k x;k FkkA

        Jheku lqa;qDr "kklu lfpo&r`rh;] uxjh; fodkl foHkkx] jktLFkku ljdkj t;iqj us vius i=

Øekad Ik 6¼15½ufofo@3@87 ikVZ t;iqj fnukad 22-12-2014- }kjk lwfpr fd;k gS fd ekuuh; mPp

U;k;ky; }kjk ikfjr fu.kZ; fnukad 05-07-2013 dh vuqikyuk esa iwoZ foHkkxh; vkns"k Ik

6¼15½@ufofo@3@87 ikVZ t;iqj fnukad 05-05-2012- dks vf/kØfer djrs gq, fu.kZ; fy;k gS fd ftu

Hkw[k.Mksa esa i`Fohjkt uxj esa iV~Vk foys[k ¼yht MhM½ tkjh gks tkrs gSa] mudks fu;ekuqlkj fo|qr

dusD"ku fn;k tk ldrk gSA

        bl laca/k esa funsZ"kkuqlkj i`Fohjktuxj ;kstuk {ks= esa ftu Hkw[k.Mksa esa iV~Vk foys[k ¼yht MhM½

tkjh gks tkrs gSa] mu vkosndksa ds fo|qr dusD"ku fu;ekuqlkj fn;s tk ldrs gSaA

        lHkh lacaf/kr vf/kdkjh bldh ikyuk rqjUr izHkko ls lqfuf"pr djsaxsA

                                                                                      vkKk ls

                                                                                     ¼,-ds-flag½

                                                                            v/kh{k.k vfHk;ark ¼okf.kT;½

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It is also noteworthy that the applicant-JVVNL had once previously

moved an application seeking identical relief in 2016, but the

same was dismissed as not pressed vide order dated 04.04.2017

in S.B. Writ Misc. Application No. 338/2016. Thereafter, the

present misc. application was filed in the year 2019 seeking

modification of order dated 05.07.2013, i.e. with a substantial

delay of about six years. No sufficient and/or satisfactory

explanation was furnished for this inordinate delay. Surprisingly,

when different instrumentalities of the State were at cross, the

applicant-JVVNL even filed a vague application (IA No. 1/2022) for

withdrawal of the misc. application altogether as the State

Government decided 'not to press the application at this stage'.

20.   In the opinion of this Court, the misc. application filed by the

applicant-JVVNL deserves to be dismissed on the grounds of delay

& laches, acquiescence and estoppel alone, especially considering

the office orders issued in 2014. Even on merits, it is observed

that the applicant-JVVNL has sought review/modification on the

ground     of   workability          and     operational        difficulty     and   the

review/modification           is     not      sought        strictly      on    merits.

Review/modification on ground of operational difficulty, that too

after a delay of six years, does not warrant consideration in the

opinion of this Court, especially considering that the applicant is

empowered under the Electricity Act, 2003 to take precautionary

and    punitive      action        against    anyone        who     is    engaged     in

unauthorized use of electricity.

21.   The primary grievance of both the applicant-JVVNL and the

petitioners is against the condition F of the judgment of Sugan

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Singh (supra) dated 05.07.2023. It is important to emphasize that

condition    F   in   judgment        of    Sugan        Singh     (supra)   dated

05.07.2013 should not be read in isolation and has to be read

together with other directions and observations made therein. The

directions issued have been quoted above (supra), but it is

deemed necessary to reproduce the following extract from

judgment of Sugan Singh (supra) dated 05.07.2013 as well:

      "In the instant case, large developments has taken
      place. The demolition of thousand houses may not
      yield any result more so when the area in dispute is to
      be developed for residential purpose with other
      developments required for it. The impugned order
      makes a reference of demolition of construction and
      rehabilitation of those persons which otherwise
      obstruct development of roads etc. Thus, the effort of
      the State Government is not to compromise with the
      planned development, rather to maintain it. A balanced
      decision has been taken by the respondents and
      judicial review in such matters is very narrow. The
      interim order of the Apex Court in the case of Municipal
      Corporation, Jaipur v. Lekhraj Soni (supra) restricts
      regularisation or construction made in violation of
      master plan. The allotment by invoking Rules of 1974
      is not barred.
      It is no doubt unfortunate that the matter in reference
      to Prithvi Raj Nagar scheme remain under litigation for
      quite long time. The first litigation was to challenge
      acquisition followed by suo motu petition at the stage
      of de-acquiring the land in dispute. The ideal situation
      would have been if the suo motu petition could have
      been decided at the earliest followed by proper planned
      development of the area. If any development took
      place after the interim order of this court, as
      alleged, the government was expected to take a
      proper view for them or atleast impose penal
      charges. The material on record shows that many plot
      holders did not raise construction thus they are law
      abiding persons. In view of the above, while
      concluding the judgment, proper directions would
      be issued by this court.



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      The situation of the case can be viewed from the angle
      that if a direction is given to demolish thousands of
      building with a view to develop residential colony
      again, the end result would be nothing but wastage of
      energy and material. However, at the same time,
      planned development of the area cannot be
      sacrificed in the hands of encroachers and land
      grabbers and those who have raised illegal
      constructions.
      In view of above, if impugned order is allowed to
      stand, respondents would be under an obligation
      to develop the area as per plan and not by
      compromising in the hands of encroachers or
      those who have raised illegal constructions. For
      planned development of roads, facility area etc, if
      it is having obstruction due to encroachments or
      constructions,      appropriately    it   should   be
      removed. The government would however be at
      liberty to rehabilitate those persons. The first
      argument thus cannot be accepted entirely but in part
      for which proper directions would be given in the
      concluding para of the judgment.
      (emphasis supplied)"

Further, the relevant portion of suo moto proceedings order dated

29.10.2010 in D.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 6709/2002 is reproduced

as under:

      "At this stage, learned counsel Mr. K.K. Mehrishi
      representing few agriculturists and land holders,
      submitted that their valuable right are infringed on the
      acquisition of land or on a decision to withdraw the
      Notification for de-acquisition. At the very outset, he
      admitted that all those to whom he is representing
      fought their battle against the acquisition and lost
      therein up to the Apex Court. In the aforesaid
      circumstances, it was admitted by the counsel that so
      far as the acquisition is concerned, that has been
      affirmed by the Hon'ble Apex Court against them. It
      was further admitted that larger chunk of land belongs
      to them was sold to Housing Co-operative Societies.
      He was asked as to whether any Housing Co-
      operative Society can have better right than the
      land holders. He fairly conceded on that and the
      transfer of land is otherwise restricted after

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      issuance of Notification under Section 4 of Land
      Acquisition Act and if any transaction is made,
      then it is to be treated as void.
      --

The outcome of the aforesaid is that land remains acquired with the affirmation of acquisition proceedings by the Hon'ble Apex Court and accordingly land vest in the State. The State would accordingly carry out planned development of the area strictly in conformity to the provision of law and till then maintain restrained order mentioned in this judgment.

(emphasis supplied)"

A combined reading of the directions along with the reasoning of the Court would reveal that the reason behind these directions was to ensure planned development of the PRN scheme; to penalize those who flouted restrain orders and raised construction; and to ensure that more encroachers do not take advantage of the vacant plots and raise illegal construction without allotment of plot. It also remains undisputed that the directions issued were for the benefit of public at large. Since these directions were in furtherance of the planned development of PRN Scheme, this Court, not being the Court of Appeal, cannot interfere with the same.
22. Coming to the various judgments relied upon by learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL, it is noted that the common rationale in all the judgments was a dispute between tenant and landlord of the property and the word occupier was also interpreted accordingly. Whereas, in the present case, the directions to not release electricity connection without proper allotment of plot were issued while exercising the extra-ordinary jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution of India to ensure (Downloaded on 11/11/2023 at 09:09:45 PM) [2023:RJ-JP:31410] (27 of 32) [WMAP-115/2019] planned development of PRN scheme. It is a well settled proposition of law that a Co-ordinate Bench cannot comment upon the discretion exercised or judgment rendered by another Co- ordinate Bench of the same strength. Therefore, without commenting on veracity of directions issued by the Co-ordinate Bench, the grievance against the said directions can only be entertained by Appellate Court and not by this Court. Furthermore, all the judgments relied upon by the learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL are on the interpretation of the word 'occupier', whereas Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 encompasses not only 'occupier', but also 'premises' as supply of electricity can only be to premise entitled to receive supply of electricity. In the case at hand, enough reasons (plot/construction being located in facility area; in close proximity to high tension line; dispute between khatedars and housing societies; overlapping and multiplicity of different plans; commercial activities being carried out at residential plots, multiple society pattas of same plot; construction on public road etc.) have been provided by JDA for not issuing lease deed/patta and these reasons would also make the premises unentitled to receive supply of electricity. Learned counsel for the applicant-JVVNL along with learned counsels for the petitioners are also not correct in contending that the obligation cast upon the Discom by virtue of Section 43 of the Electricity Act, 2003 is absolute. The Hon'ble Apex Court, in the recent case of K.C. Ninan (supra), though in the context of pending dues, has specifically observed that the duty to supply electricity under Section 43 of the Electricity Act, (Downloaded on 11/11/2023 at 09:09:45 PM) [2023:RJ-JP:31410] (28 of 32) [WMAP-115/2019] 2003 is not absolute. Therefore, the relied upon judgments, being distinguishable, are not applicable in the facts and circumstances of the present case.
23. In view of the aforesaid, this Court is not inclined to interfere with the judgment of Sugan Singh (supra) dated 05.07.2013 and no interference is called for in the misc. application filed on behalf of the applicant-JVVNL.
24. The writ petitions filed by the purported occupiers of plots in PRN scheme, apart from the reasons already mentioned above, also calls for no interference on account of concealment and suppression of material facts. It is a well settled principle of law that one who seeks equity must also do equity. It is equally well settled that one who seeks to invoke the extra ordinary jurisdiction of the Courts must come with not just clean hands, but also with clean mind, clean heart and clean objective, as these are the equi-fundamentals of judicious litigation. A litigant is bound to make full and true disclosure of facts. Reliance in this regard can be placed on a catena of judgments of Hon'ble Apex Court, including Tilokchand H.B. Motichand and Ors. vs. Munshi and Anr.: (1969) 1 SCC 110; A. Shanmugam vs. Ariya Kshatriya Rajakula Vamsathu Madalaya Nandhavana Paripalanai Sangam and Anr.: (2012) 6 SCC 430; Chandra Shashi vs. Anil Kumar Verma: (1995) 1 SCC 421; Abhyudya Sanstha vs. Union of India and Ors.: (2011) 6 SCC 145; State of Madhya Pradesh vs. Narmada Bachao Andolan and Anr.:
(2011) 7 SCC 639; Kalyaneshwari vs. Union of India and Anr.: (2011) 3 SCC 287; Kishore Samrite vs. State of U.P. (Downloaded on 11/11/2023 at 09:09:45 PM) [2023:RJ-JP:31410] (29 of 32) [WMAP-115/2019] and Ors.: (2013) 2 SCC 398; K.D. Sharma vs. Steel Authority of India Ltd. and Ors.: (2008) 12 SCC 481; Amar Singh vs. Union of India & Ors.: (2011) 7 SCC 69; Ramjas Foundation and Anr vs. Union of India & Ors.: (2010) 14 SCC 38; Anil Bansal vs. Ashok Kumar Bansal and Ors.: (2005) 9 SCC 368; S.P. Chengalvaraya Naidu (Dead) by L.Rs. vs. Jagannath (Dead) by L.Rs. and Ors.: (1994) 1 SCC 1; A.V. Papayya Sastry and Ors. vs. Government of A.P. and Ors.: (2007) 4 SCC 221; and K. Jayaram and Ors. vs. Bangalore Development Authority and Ors.: (2022) 12 SCC
815.

25. The petitioners have concealed the fact that they were involved in theft/unauthorized use of electricity and the same was only revealed upon an inspection done by the Superintending Engineer (Vigilance) of applicant-JVVNL on 24.05.2023. The details of the petitioners engaged in the theft/unauthorized use of electricity are reproduced as under:

Sr. Case Name of Address Electricit VCR No. House Occupie Connect How Remarks No No. Petitioner y and Date Constr d/vacan ed Load Petition . Connecti (if Filled) ucted t er using on exist, or not electrici if yes, ty Meter No. 1 C.W. PUSHPA 31, NO 105823/ YES OCCUPI 110 DIRECT 6886/2 SHARMA TRUPATI 24-05- ED WATT. THEFT 019 WIFE OF VIHAR, 2023(TH SHRI BABU PATRAKAR EFT) LAL SHARMA ROAD, GOLYAWA S, MANSARO VER, JAIPUR 2 C.W. MAHENDRA 70, NO NO TEEN OCCUPI 430 BY 8744/2 SHARMA SON PARSHURA SHED ED WATT. SOLAR 019 OF SHRI M NAGAR, PLANT LALARAM PATRAKAR OF SHARMA ROAD, PLOT GOLYAWA NO. 76 S, MANSARO VER, JAIPUR 3 C.W. KAILASH 24, NO NO NO VACAN - -
      11943/ CHAND          PARSHURA                                T
       2019 SHARMA SON      M NAGAR,
             OF LATE SHRI   PATRAKAR



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 [2023:RJ-JP:31410]                           (30 of 32)                            [WMAP-115/2019]


             ROOPNARAYA ROAD,
             N          GOLYAAW
                        AS,
                        MANSARO
                        VER,
                        JAIPUR
 4    C.W.  SMT.           36, BALAJI   NO       NO       NO    VACAN        -       -
     6762/2 SUSHILA        VIHAR,                                 T
      019   DEVI WIFE      GOLYAWA
            OF SHRI        S,
            SHANKAR        MANSARO
            LAL SHARMA     VER,
                           JAIPUR
 5    C.W.  MOHAN LAL  79,              NO     105833/    YES   OCCUPI      150    DIRECT
     5189/2 SHARMA SON TRUPATI                  24-05-           ED        WATT.   THEFT
      019   OF SHRI    VIHAR,                  2023(TH
            RAMESHWAR GOLYAWA                    EFT)
            PRASAD     S,
            SHARMA     MANSARO
                       VER,
                       JAIPUR
 6    C.W.  SHAKUNTALA     02, SHRI     NO       NO       NO    VACAN        -       -
     680/20 SHARMA W/O     BALAJI                                 T
       19   SHRI           VIHAR,
            RAVIKANT       GOLYAWA
            SHARMA D/O     S,
            SHRI           MANSARO
            LALARAM        VER,
            SHARMA         JAIPUR
 7    C.W.  BABU LAL       47,          NO     105828/    YES   OCCUPI     MISUSE    BY
     6878/2 SHARMA SON     PARSHURA             24-05-           ED         LOAD   ELECTR
      019   OF SHRI        M NAGAR,            2023(MI                    0.35 KW,    IC
            LALARAM        PATRAKAR             SUSE)                      TOTAL   CONNE
            SHARMA         ROAD,                                            LOAD   CTION
                           GOLYAWA                                        1.48 KW    OF
                           S,                                                       PLOT
                           MANSARO                                                 NO. 54
                           VER,                                                      A/C
                           JAIPUR                                                    NO.
                                                                                   1553/0
                                                                                     538
 8    C.W.  GAURI          19,          NO       NO       YES   OCCUPI      897    SUPPLY
     8754/2 SHANKAR        PARSHURA                              ED        WATT.    NOT
      019   SHARMA SON     M NAGAR,                                                CONNE
            OF SHRI        PATRAKAR                                                CTED
            JAGANNATH      ROAD,
            SHARMA         GOLYAWA
                           S,
                           MANSARV
                           OVER,
                           JAIPUR
 9    C.W.  ASHISH     100,             NO     105835/    YES   OCCUPI     MISUSE     BY
     11856/ SHARMA SON TRUPATI                  24-05-           ED         LOAD   ELECTR
      2019 OF SHRI     VIHAR,                  2023(MI                    1.29 KW,    IC
            SATYANARAY GOLYAWA                  SUSE)                      TOTAL   CONNE
            AN SHARMA  S,                                                   LOAD   CTION
                       MANSARO                                            2.12 KW    OF
                       VER,                                                         PLOT
                       JAIPUR                                                        NO.
                                                                                    161,
                                                                                   MANSA
                                                                                   ROVER,
                                                                                   MAHAV
                                                                                     EER
                                                                                   NAGAR,
                                                                                     A/C
                                                                                     NO.
                                                                                   1553/0
                                                                                     439
10    C.W.  SMT.           72, SHIV     NO       NO       YES   OCCUPI      410    SUPPLY
     9700/2 SANTOSH        VATIKA,                               ED        WATT.    NOT
      019   DEVI           MANGYAW                                                 CONNE
            SHARMA         AS,                                                     CTED
            WIFE OF        MANSARO
            SHRI NIRMAL    VER,
            KUMAR          JAIPUR
            SHARMA
11     C.W.   LALARAM      51-B,        NO       NO       YES   LOCKED
     6877/201 SHARMA S/O   GIRRAJ
        9     LATE SHRI    NAGAR,
              KISHAN       GOLYAWAS
              SHARMA       ,
                           MANSARO
                           VER,
                           JAIPUR
12     C.W.   HARISH       2, MAA       NO       NO       YES   OCCUPI 310 WATT.   SUPPLY
     10080/20 KUMAR        VAISHNO                               ED                 NOT



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 [2023:RJ-JP:31410]                               (31 of 32)                              [WMAP-115/2019]


        21    SHRIVASTAV      NAGAR,                                                      CONNE
              S/O SHRI        LALPURA                                                     CTED
              GOVIND          ROAD,
              NARAYAN         GANDHI
                              PATH WEST,
                              JAIPUR
13      C.W.   BEENA          22, MAA       NO    105811/24-   YES   OCCUPI    5.45 KW   DIRECT
      10045/20 CHOUDHARY      VAISHNO                05-              ED                 THEFT
         21    WIFE OF SHRI   DEVI                2023(THE
               JEET SINGH     NAGAR,                 FT)
                              PANCHYAL
                              AWA,
                              JAIPUR
14      C.W.   LOKESH         73-A, PURVI   NO     105838/24   YES   OCCUPI 270 WATT.    DIRECT   As intimated
      14667/20 KUMAR SON      BHAG,                   -05-            ED                 THEFT      by Tenant
         20    OF SHRI        HANUMAN              2023(THE                                        Sh. Mukesh
               JAGANNATH      VIHAR,                  FT)                                          Rana at Site
               PRASAD         KHEJRO KA                                                              That this
               VERMA          BAS,                                                                premises was
                              BAMAN KI                                                            purchased by
                              THADI,
                                                                                                    Sh. Goga
                              MANSARO
                                                                                                     Ram S/o
                              VER,
                              JAIPUR                                                               Laddu Ram
                                                                                                    Rana from
                                                                                                   Sh. Lokesh
                                                                                                      Kumar
15      C.W.   LALARAM        69-70, SHRI   NO     105836/24   Yes   Occupie    Misuse            Solar System
      4836/202 SHARMA S/O     BALAJI                  -05-              d        Load             also installed
         1     LATE SHRI      VIHAR,               2023(MIS                    5.04 KW
               KISHAN         JAIPUR                 USE)                        Total
               SHARMA                                                            Load
                                                                               5.04 KW




26. During the course of arguments, the erstwhile counsel for JVVNL, Mr. Jayanti Sahaya Gaur, appeared before this Court and submitted his grievance that he was compelled to give NOC in the matter, solely on account of certain legal opinions put fourth by him during the sustenance of the matter before the Court. It was further submitted that he was thereafter removed from the panel as well. A document to this effect has also been filed by Mr. Jayanti Sahaya Gaur. However, this Court, while hearing misc.

application, can't consider or comment upon the grievance of the erstwhile panel counsel. However, this Court deems it appropriate to grant liberty to Mr. Jayanti Sahaya Gaur to raise his grievance before the Bar Council and before the learned Advocate General. Further, Mr. Jayanti Sahaya Gaur may also participate in the sou moto proceedings pending before Division Bench of this Court in Rajasthan High Court Bar Association vs. Union of India (D.B. Civil (Downloaded on 11/11/2023 at 09:09:46 PM) [2023:RJ-JP:31410] (32 of 32) [WMAP-115/2019] Writ Petition No. 1419/2023), wherein the issue of arbitrary appointment/removal of panel/government counsels is pending. RESULT

27. In view of the foregoing analysis, this Court is of the firm view that if the condition F of the judgment of Sugan Singh (supra) were to be relaxed, the same would be against the tenet of planned development of PRN scheme, as directed by Co- ordinate Bench and Division Bench of this Court, especially since it remains undisputed that the directions were passed in the larger public interest.

27. Accordingly, the misc. application is dismissed both on merits and on delay & laches, acquiescence and estoppel.

28. Similarly, the writ petitions are also dismissed, both on merits and on account of concealment of material facts.

29. Pending application(s), if any, shall stand disposed of.

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