Section 21 in The Tamil Nadu Electricity Supply Code, 2004
21. Disconnection of supply.
- Section 56 of the Act with regard to disconnection of supply in default of payment reads as follows:"(1) Where any person neglects to pay any charge for electricity or any sum other than a charge for electricity due from him to a licensee or the generating company in respect of supply, transmission or distribution or wheeling of electricity to him, the licensee or the generating company may, after giving not less than fifteen clear days notice in writing, to such person and without prejudice to his rights to recover such charge or other sum by suit, cut off the supply of electricity and for that purpose cut or disconnect any electric supply line or other works being the property of such licensee or the generating company through which electricity may have been supplied, transmitted, distributed or wheeled and may discontinue the supply until such charge or other sum, together with any expenses incurred by him in cutting off and re-connecting the supply, are paid, but no longer:Provided that the supply of electricity shall not be cut off if such person deposits, under protest, -(a)an amount equal to the sum claimed from him, or(b)the electricity charges due from him for each calculated on the basis of average charge for electricity paid during the preceding six months, whichever is less, pending disposal of any dispute between him licensee.(2)Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, no sum due from any consumer, under this section shall be recoverable after the period of two years from the date such sum became first due unless such sum has been shown continuous as recoverable as arrears of charges for electricity supplied and the licensee shall not cut off the supply of the electricity."The provision of the Act as in sub-section (1) above are in addition to and not in derogation of any other law for the time being in force Accordingly, the licensee shall be entitled to disconnect the supply of electricity subject to the provisions of Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974, Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981 and Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, etc.
