Patna High Court - Orders
Mosmat Swaran @ Swaran Manraw vs The State Of Bihar & Anr on 29 February, 2012
Author: Navaniti Prasad Singh
Bench: Navaniti Prasad Singh, Ashwani Kumar Singh
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA
Criminal Miscellaneous No.5244 of 2008
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Mosmat Swaran @ Swaran Manraw, W/o-Late Hansraj, R/o-P.R.D.A., Flat
No.193, Block No.24, East of Mcdowell Golambar, Rajendra Nagar, P.S.-
Kadamkuan, District-Patna. .... .... Petitioner.
VERSUS
1. The State of Bihar.
2. Bihar State Electricity Board represented through Mr. Murtaja Helal,
Assistant Electrical Engineer, Electric Supply Sub-Division, Rajendra
Nagar, PESU, Patna. ... .... Opposite Parties.
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Appearance :
For the Petitioner : Mr. Shree Ganesh.
For the B.S.E.B. : Mr. Vijay Kumar Verma.
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CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE NAVANITI PRASAD SINGH
&
HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE ASHWANI KUMAR SINGH
C. A.V. ORDER
(Per: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE NAVANITI PRASAD SINGH)
6 29-02-2012Noticing the apparent conflict between two decisions of Single Judges of this Court, apparently in respect of the same issue, this case has been referred to Division Bench for settling the issue. The judgments in conflict are said to be in the case of Binod Giri verus The State of Bihar & Another in Cr. Misc. No.45443 of 2006 decided on 24.01.2007 by Hon'ble Justice Smt. Mridula Mishra, J. and is reported in 2007 (2) PLJR 578. The second judgment, though reported later is the judgment rendered earlier in time to the former judgment. This is the case of Gopal Sao and Another versus The State of Bihar & Another decided on 08.01.2007 by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Samrendra Pratap Singh, J. -2- since reported in 2010 (1) PLJR 614. Both cases dealt with compounding of offences of electricity theft under Indian Electricity Act, 2003.
In the first noticed case, that is, Binod Giri (supra) it was, inter alia, held by this Court that if upon detection of theft of electricity amount of loss and penalty quantified by the Bihar State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as the Board) is fully paid and accepted by the authority under Section 152(1) of the Electricity Act, 2003 (hereinafter referred to as the Act), that would amount to compounding of the offences resulting in acquittal and consequentially no prosecution could continue. In the later noticed case, being that of Gopal Sao and another (supra), it has been, inter alia, held that the quantification of loss for unauthorized use of electricity in terms of Section-126 of the Act and payment thereof is totally different from the provisions of Section 152 of the Act which provides for payment of compounding fee as mentioned under that section. The two liabilities are different and distinct. Payment of assessed amount under Section 126 of the Act would not absolve the petitioner of his criminal prosecution unless the compounding fee as envisaged in Section 152 (2) of the Act is separately paid.
Thus seen, as we understand, if facts alleged and facts -3- found in the two cases are taken into consideration there is no apparent conflict in the two judgments which are correct on their own facts. But, in view of the generality of the statements and/or expositions contained in the two judgments there is a confusion which does required to be cleared, especially when we notice that there are large number of reported cases following the judgment in the case of Binod Giri (supra), as if it lays down the law that mere payment of the damages assessed in the F.I.R. would result in compounding the offences, which is not the correct approach.
The facts found in the case of Binod Giri (supra) is that the payment was accepted by the authority in terms of Section 152 of the Act and the natural consequence would be compounding and, consequential, acquittal, but this case does not say and should not be understood to be saying that if the assessed loss which is a penal assessment is paid it would amount to compounding of the offence which unfortunately is the trend of several subsequent judgments of the Single Judges of this Court.
It would be the duty of this Court to remind ourselves what was said by Earl of Halsbury LC more than a century back in Quinn Vs. Leathem 1901 AC 495 which has been repeatedly noticed with approval in Indian Court. I would refer to the case of State of Orissa Vs. Sudhansu Sekhar Misra & Ors. the -4- judgment of Constitution Bench of the Apex Court which decision is reported in AIR 1968 Supreme Court 647 and the relevant passage is quoted hereunder:-
".......A decision is only an authority for what it actually decides. What is of the essence in a decision is its ratio and not every observation found therein nor what logically follows from the various observations made in it. On this topic this is what Earl of Halsbury LC said in Quinn V. Leathem, 1901 AC 495.
Now before discussing the case of Allen V. Flood, (1898) AC 1 and what was decided therein, there are two observations of a general character which I wish to make, and one is to repeat what I have very often said before, that every judgment must be read as applicable to the particular facts proved, or assumed to be proved, since the generality of the expressions which may be found there are not intended to be expositions of the whole law, but governed and qualified by the particular facts of the case in which such expressions are to be found. The other is that a case is only an authority for what it actually decides. I entirely deny that it can be quoted for a proposition that may seem to -5- follow logically from it. Such a mode of reasoning assumes that the law is necessarily a logical Code, whereas every lawyer must acknowledge that the law is not always logical at all.
It is not a profitable task to extract a sentence here and there from a judgment and to build upon it......"
If the said principle of interpretation of judgment is kept in mind it would be seen that both the judgment are correct on their own facts. But, for the reasons as noticed above the reference having been made with pertinent questions formulated, we propose to examine the provisions of the Act in this regards as guidance for future reference in law but before we do so we must notice facts of the case in question.
It appears that in the afternoon of 14.03.2005 an inspection was conducted by the Junior Electrical Engineer at P.R.D.A. Flat No.193, Block No. 24 at East of McDowell Golambar, Rajendra Nagar, P.S. Kadamkuan, District Patna, pursuant to which Kadamkuan P.S. Case No.229 of 2005 was instituted for alleged theft of electricity in terms of Section 39/44 of Indian Electricity Act, 1918 read with Section 379 I.P.C. In the F.I.R., it was, inter alia, alleged that upon inspection it was found -6- that the aforesaid flat had an electric connection which had been disconnected for dues of Rs.2024, but the accused petitioner, Mosmat Swaran @ Swaran Mahraw was found using electricity directly from the main bar. Her installed load was 1 KVA and, as such, the Board had suffered a loss of Rs.2024 and Rs.5000. Upon chargesheet having been filed, the learned Chief Judicial Magistrate took cognizance of the offence and the case was pending trial for quashing of which this application under Section 482 Cr.P.C. was filed.
On behalf of the petitioner, it was submitted that the total amount of arrears and penalty as assessed being total of Rs.7024 was deposited on 16.03.2005, as per bill raised, which is Annexure-3 to this application. It may be noted that the bill states that the bill as being raised as an F.I.R. bill and F.I.R. dues and the receipt also states the same. Petitioner's contention is that having paid the full F.I.R. dues in terms of judgment of this Court in the case of Binod Giri (supra) the criminal proceedings would be deemed to be compounded.
The counsel for the Board submits that in terms of the decision of this Court in the case of Gopal Sao (supra) no compounding fee, as envisaged under Section 152 of the Act, having been paid and the payment being in terms of assessment as -7- made under Section 126 of the Act, the criminal prosecution is to continue and cannot be quashed much less deemed to be compounded.
Now, we may refer to the relevant part of order dated 28.04.2010 of this Court in the present case formulating the questions required to be resolved by this Division Bench :-
The points for determination are "whether the Board can charge the compounding amount under Section 152 of the Electricity Act, 2003, in spite of the fact that the arrears and penalty have already been deposited by the consumer or the acceptance of the arrears and the penalty will amount to acquittal."
Or Once Electricity Board accepts the penalty and the other arrears amount, then the Electricity Board is precluded to charge the compounding amount under Section 152 of the Electricity Act or the deposit of arrears and penalty as assessed under Section 126 of the Act will not entitle the consumer for acquittal as envisaged under Section 152 of the Act unless the compounding amount under Section 152 of the Act is not deposited."
In order to answer the question and resulting apparent conflict, if any, we deem it proper first to discern the scheme of the -8- Electricity Act, 2003 in relation to these issues and also to notice the difference, if any, between the provisions of the Act as it was enacted and the substantial amendments that were made to it by virtue of Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2007 with effect from 15.06.2007.
In order to appreciate the law and the respective changes in Sections 126,135,152&154 of the Act, the said provisions are quoted hereunder:-
Provisions of Electricity Act, Provisions of Electricity Act, 2003 as originally enacted 2003 after 2007 amendment Section-126.Assessment.-(1) Section-126.Assessment.-(1) If on an inspection of any place If on an inspection of any place or premises or after inspection or premises or after inspection of the equipments, gadgets, of the equipments, gadgets, machines, devices found machines, devices found connected or used, or after connected or used, or after inspection of records inspection of records maintained by any person, the maintained by any person, the assessing officer comes to the assessing officer comes to the conclusion that such person is conclusion that such person is indulging in unauthorised use indulging in unauthorised use of electricity, he shall of electricity, he shall -9- provisionally assess to the best provisionally assess to the best of his judgment the electricity of his judgment the electricity charges payable by such charges payable by such person person or by any other person or by any other person benefited by such use. benefited by such use. (2) The order of provisional (2) The order of provisional assessment shall be served assessment shall be served upon the person in occupation upon the person in occupation or possession or in charge of or possession or in charge of the place or premises in such the place or premises in such manner as may be prescribed. manner as may be prescribed. (3) The person, on whom a (3) The person, on whom an notice has been served under order has been served under sub-section (2), shall be sub-section (2), shall be entitled to file objections, if entitled to file objections, if any, against the provisional any, against the provisional assessment before the assessment before the assessing officer, who may, assessing officer, who shall, after affording a reasonable after affording a reasonable opportunity of hearing to such opportunity of hearing to such person, pass a final order of person, pass a final order of assessment of the electricity assessment within thirty days
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charges payable by such from the date of service of such person. orders of provisional assessment, of the electricity charges payable by such person.
(4) Any person served with the (4) Any person served with the order of provisional order of provisional assessment assessment may, accept such may, accept such assessment assessment and deposit the and deposit the assessed assessed amount with the amount with the licensee licensee within seven day of within seven days of service of service of such provisional such provisional assessment assessment order upon him: order upon him:
Provided that in case the person deposits the assessed amount, he shall not be subjected to any further liability or any action by any authority whatsoever.
(5) If the assessing officer (5) If the assessing officer reaches to the conclusion that reaches to the conclusion that unauthorized use of electricity unauthorized use of electricity
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has taken place, it shall be has taken place, the assessment presumed that such shall be made for the entire unauthorised use of electricity period during which such was continuing for a period of unauthorised use of electricity three months immediately has taken place and if, preceding the date of however, the period during inspection in case of domestic which such unauthorised use of and agricultural services and electricity has taken place for a period of six months cannot be ascertained, such immediately preceding the date period shall be limited to a of inspection for all other period of twelve months categories of services, unless immediately preceding the date the onus is rebutted by the of inspection.
person, occupier or possessor of such premises or place.
(6) The assessment under this (6) The assessment under this section shall be made at a rate section shall be made at a rate equal to one-and-half times the equal to twice the tariff tariff applicable for the applicable for the relevant relevant category of services category of services specified specified in sub-section (5). in sub-section (5). Explanation.-For the purposes Explanation.-For the purposes
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of this section,- of this section,-
(a)"assessing officer" means (a)"assessing officer" means an officer of a State an officer of a State Government or Board or Government or Board or licensee, as the case may be, licensee, as the case may be, designated as such by the State designated as such by the State Government;(b)"unauthorized" Government; (b)"unauthorised use of electricity" means the use of electricity" means the usage of electricity- usage of electricity-
(i) (i) by any artificial means; or (i)by any artificial means; or
(ii)by a means not authorised (ii)by a means not authorised by the concerned person or by the concerned person or authority or licensee; or authority or licensee; or
(iii)through a tampered meter ; (iii)through a tampered meter ;
or or
(iv) for the purpose other than (iv)for the purpose other than for which the usage of for which the usage of electricity was authorised. electricity was authorised.
(v)for the premises or areas
other than those for which the
supply of electricity was
authorized.
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Section-135. Theft of Section-135. Theft of
electricity.-(1) Whoever, electricity.-(1) Whoever,
dishonestly,- dishonestly,-
(a)taps, makes or causes to be (a)taps, makes or causes to be
made any connection with made any connection with
overhead, underground or overhead, underground or
under water lines or cables, or under water lines or cables, or
service wires, or service service wires, or service
facilities of a licensee ; or facilities of a licensee or
supplier, as the case may be ;
or
(b)tampers a meter, installs or (b) tampers a meter, installs or uses a tampered meter, current uses a tampered meter, current reversing transformer, loop reversing transformer, loop connection or any other device connection or any other device or method which interferes or method which interferes with accurate or proper with accurate or proper registration, calibration or registration, calibration or metering of electric current or metering of electric current or otherwise results in a manner otherwise results in a manner whereby electricity is stolen or whereby electricity is stolen or wasted ; or wasted ; or
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(c)damages or destroys an (c)damages or destroys an electric meter, apparatus, electric meter, apparatus, equipment, or wire or causes or equipment, or wire or causes or allows any of them to be so allows any of them to be so damaged or destroyed as to damaged or destroyed as to interfere with the proper or interfere with the proper or accurate metering of accurate metering of electricity, electricity, so as to abstract or consume or (d) uses electricity through a use electricity shall be tempered meter ; or punishable with imprisonment (e) uses electricity for the for a term which may extend to purpose other than for which three years or with fine or with the usage of electricity was both: authorised, Provided that in a case where so as to abstract or consume or the load abstracted, consumed, use electricity shall be or used or attempted punishable with imprisonment abstraction or attempted for a term which may extend to consumption or attempted use- three years or with fine or with both:
Provided that in a case where the load abstracted, consumed,
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or used or attempted
abstraction or attempted
consumption or attempted use-
(i) does not exceed 10 (i)does not exceed 10 kilowatt,
kilowatt, the fine imposed on the fine imposed on first first conviction shall not be conviction shall not be less less than three times the than three times the financial financial gain on account of gain on account of such theft of such theft of electricity and in electricity and in the event of the event of second or second or subsequent subsequent conviction the fine conviction the fine imposed imposed shall not be less than shall not be less than six times six times the financial gain on the financial gain on account of account of such theft of such theft of electricity ; electricity ;
(ii)exceeds 10 kilowatt, the (ii)exceeds 10 kilowatt, the fine imposed on first fine imposed on first conviction shall not be less conviction shall not be less than three times the financial than three times the financial gain on account of such theft gain on account of such theft of of electricity and in the event electricity and in the event of of second or subsequent second or subsequent
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conviction, the sentence shall conviction, the sentence shall be imprisonment for a term not be imprisonment for a term not less than six months but which less than six months, but which may extend to five years and may extend to five years and with fine not less than six with fine not less than six times times the financial gain on the financial gain on account of account of such theft of such theft of electricity :
electricity :
Provided further that if it is Provided further that in the proved that any artificial event of second and subsequent means or means not authorised conviction of a person where by the Board or licensee exist the load abstracted, consumed, for the abstraction, or used or attempted consumption or use of abstraction or attempted electricity by the consumer, it consumption or attempted use shall be presumed, until the exceeds 10 kilowatt, such contrary is proved, that any person shall also be debarred abstraction, consumption or from getting any supply of use of electricity has been electricity for a period which dishonestly caused by such shall not be less than three consumer. months but may extend to two years and shall also be
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debarred from getting supply of electricity for that period from any other source or generating station;
Provided also that if it is proved that any artificial means or means not authorised by the Board or licensee or supplier, as the case may be, exist for the abstraction, consumption or use of electricity by the consumer, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that any abstraction, consumption or use of electricity has been dishonestly caused by such consumer.
(2) Any officer authorised in (2) Any officer of the licensee this behalf by the State or supplier, as the case may be, Government may- in this behalf by the State Government may-
(a) enter, inspect, break open (a) enter, inspect, break open
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and search any place or and search any place or premises in which he has premises in which he has reason to believe that reason to believe that electricity has been, is being, electricity has been, or is being or is likely to be, used used unauthorisedly ; unauthorisedly ;
(b)search, seize and remove all (b)search, seize and remove all such devices, instruments, such devices, instruments, wires and any other facilitator wires and any other facilitator or article which has been, is or article which has been, is being, or is likely to be, used being used for unauthorised for unauthorised use of use of electricity ; electricity ;
(c) examine or seize any books (c)examine or seize any books of account or documents of account or documents which in his opinion shall be which in his opinion shall be useful for or relevant to, any useful for or relevant to, any proceedings in respect of the proceedings in respect of the offence under sub-section (1) offence under sub-section (1) and allow the person from and allow the person from whose custody such books of whose custody such books of account or documents are account or documents are
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seized to make copies thereof seized to make copies thereof or take extracts therefrom in or take extracts therefrom in his presence. his presence.
(3) The occupant of the place (3) The occupant of the place of search or any person on his of search or any person on his behalf shall remain present behalf shall remain present during the search and a list of during the search and a list of all things seized in the course all things seized in the course of such search shall be of such search shall be prepared and delivered to such prepared and delivered to such occupant or person who shall occupant or person who shall sign the list: sign the list:
Provided that no inspection, Provided that no inspection, search and seizure of any search and seizure of any domestic places or domestic domestic places or domestic premises shall be carried out premises shall be carried out between sunset and sunrise between sunset and sunrise except in the presence of an except in the presence of an adult male member occupying adult male member occupying such premises. such premises.
(4) The provisions of the Code (4) The provisions of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2
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of 1974), relating to search and of 1974), relating to search and seizure shall apply, as far as seizure shall apply, as far as may be, to searches and seizure may be, to searches and seizure under this Act. under this Act.
Section-152.Compounding of Section-152.Compounding of offences.- (1) Notwithstanding offences.- (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code anything contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), the Appropriate of 1974), the Appropriate Government or any officer Government or any officer authorised by it in this behalf authorised by it in this behalf may accept from any consumer may accept from any consumer or person who committed or or person who committed or who is reasonably suspected of who is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence having committed an offence of of theft of electricity theft of electricity punishable punishable under this Act, a under this Act, a sum of money sum of money by way of by way of compounding of the compounding of the offence as offence as specified in the Table specified in the Table below: below:
TABLE TABLE _________________________ ________________________ Nature of Service Rate at Nature of Service Rate at
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which the sum which the sum
of money for of money for
compounding to compounding to
be collected be collected
per Kilowatt per Kilowatt
(KW)/Horse (KW)/Horse
Power (HP) or Power (HP) or
part thereof for part thereof for
Low Tension Low Tension
(LT) supply and (LT) supply and
per Kilo Volt per Kilo Volt
Ampere (KVA) Ampere (KVA)
of contracted of contracted
demand for demand for
High Tension High Tension
(HT) HT)
_________________________ ________________________
(1) (1)
(2) (2)
_________________________ ________________________
1.Industrial Service 1. Industrial Service twenty thousand twenty thousand rupees; rupees;
2. Commercial Service 2. Commercial Service ten thousand rupees; ten thousand rupees;
3. Agricultural Service 3. Agricultural Service two thousand rupees; two thousand rupees;
4. Other Services 4. Other Services
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four thousand rupees; four thousand rupees; _________________________ _______________________ Provided that the Appropriate Provided that the Appropriate Government may, by Government may, by notification in the Official notification in the Official Gazette, amend the rates Gazette, amend the rates specified in the Table above. specified in the Table above. (2) On payment of the sum of (2) On payment of the sum of money in accordance with money in accordance with sub-section (1), any person in sub-section (1), any person in custody in connection with custody in connection with that offence shall be set at that offence shall be set at liberty and no proceedings liberty and no proceedings shall be instituted or shall be instituted or continued against such continued against such consumer or person in any consumer or person in any criminal court. criminal court.
(3) The acceptance of the sum (3) The acceptance of the sum of money for compounding of money for compounding an offence in accordance an offence in accordance with with sub-section (1) by the sub-section (1) by the Appropriate Government or Appropriate Government or an officer empowered in this an officer empowered in this
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behalf shall be deemed to behalf shall be deemed to amount to an acquittal within amount to an acquittal within the meaning of section 300 of the meaning of section 300 of the Code of Criminal the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974). Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
(4) The compounding of an (4) The compounding of an offence under sub-section (1) offence under sub-section (1) shall be allowed only once shall be allowed only once for any person or consumer. for any person or consumer. Section-154. Procedure and Section-154. Procedure and power of Special Court.- (1) power of Special Court.- (1) Notwithstanding anything Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of contained in the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974),every offence of 1974), every offence punishable under sections 135 punishable under sections 135 to 139 shall be triable only by to 140 and section 150 shall be the Special Court within whose triable only by the Special jurisdiction such offence has Court within whose been committed. jurisdiction such offence has been committed.
(2) Where it appears to any (2) Where it appears to any
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court in the course of any court in the course of any inquiry or trial that an inquiry or trial that an offence offence punishable under punishable under sections sections 135 to 139 in respect 135 to 140 and section 150 of any offence that the case is in respect of any offence that one which is triable by a the case is one which is Special Court constituted triable by a Special Court under this Act for the area in constituted under this Act for which such case has arisen, it the area in which such case shall transfer such case to has arisen, it shall transfer such Special Court, and such case to such Special thereupon such case shall be Court, and thereupon such tried and disposed of by such case shall be tried and Special Court in accordance disposed of by such Special with the provisions of this Court in accordance with the Act: provisions of this Act:
Provided that it shall be lawful Provided that it shall be lawful for such Special Court to act for such Special Court to act on that evidence, if any, on that evidence, if any, recorded by any court in the recorded by any court in the case of presence of the accused case of presence of the before the transfer of the case accused before the transfer of
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to any Special Court: the case to any Special Court:
Provided further that if such Provided further that if such Special Court is of opinion that Special Court is of opinion that further examination, cross- further examination, cross-
examination and re- examination and re- examination of any of the examination of any of the witnesses whose evidence has witnesses whose evidence has already been recorded, is already been recorded, is required in the interest of required in the interest of justice, it may re-summon any justice, it may re-summon any such witness and after such such witness and after such further examination, cross- further examination, cross- examination or re-examination, examination or re-examination, if any as it may permit, the if any, as it may permit, the witness shall be discharged. witness shall be discharged. (3) The Special Court may, (3) The Special Court may, notwithstanding anything notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1) contained in sub-section (1) of section 260 or section 262 of section 260 or section 262 of the Code of Criminal of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), try the offence referred to in try the offence referred to in
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sections 135 to 139 in a sections 135 to 140 and summary way in accordance section 150 in a summary with the procedure prescribed way in accordance with the in the said Code and the procedure prescribed in the provisions of sections 263 to said Code and the provisions 265 of the said Code shall, so of sections 263 to 265 of the far as may be, apply to such said Code shall, so far as may trial: be, apply to such trial:
Provided that where in the Provided that where in the course of a summary trial course of a summary trial under this sub-section, it under this sub-section, it appears to the Special Court appears to the Special Court that the nature of the case is that the nature of the case is such that it is undesirable to such that it is undesirable to try such case in summary try such case in summary way, the Special Court shall way, the Special Court shall recall any witness who may recall any witness who may have been examined and have been examined and proceed to re-hear the case in proceed to re-hear the case in the manner provided by the the manner provided by the provisions of the said Code provisions of the said Code for the trial of such offence: for the trial of such offence:
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Provided further that in the Provided further that in the case of any conviction in a case of any conviction in a summary trial under this summary trial under this section, it shall be lawful for section, it shall be lawful for a Special Court to pass a Special Court to pass sentence of imprisonment for sentence of imprisonment for a term not exceeding five a term not exceeding five years. years.
(4) A Special Court may, with (4) A Special Court may, with a view to obtaining the a view to obtaining the evidence of any person evidence of any person supposed to have been supposed to have been directly or indirectly directly or indirectly concerned in or privy to, any concerned in or privy to, any offence tender pardon to such offence tender pardon to such person on condition of his person on condition of his making a full and true making a full and true disclosure of the disclosure of the circumstances within his circumstances within his knowledge relating to the knowledge relating to the offence and to every other offence and to every other person concerned whether as person concerned whether as
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principal or abettor in the principal or abettor in the commission thereof, and any commission thereof, and any pardon so tendered shall, for pardon so tendered shall, for the purposes of section 308 the purposes of section 308 of of the Code of Criminal the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), be deemed to have been be deemed to have been tendered under section 307 tendered under section 307 thereof. thereof.
(5) The Special Court may (5) The Special Court shall determine the civil liability determine the civil liability against a consumer or a against a consumer or a person in terms of money for person in terms of money for theft of energy which shall theft of energy which shall not be less than an amount not be less than an amount equivalent to two times of the equivalent to two times of the tariff rate applicable for a tariff rate applicable for a period of twelve months period of twelve months preceding the date of preceding the date of detection of theft of energy or detection of theft of energy or the exact period of theft if the exact period of theft if determined whichever is less determined whichever is less
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and the amount of civil and the amount of civil liability so determined shall liability so determined shall be recovered as if it were a be recovered as if it were a decree of civil court. decree of civil court. (6) In case the civil liability so (6) In case the civil liability so determined finally by the determined finally by the Special Court is less than the Special Court is less than the amount deposited by the amount deposited by the consumer or the person, the consumer or the person, the excess amount so deposited excess amount so deposited by the consumer or the by the consumer or the person, to the Board or person, to the Board or licensee or the concerned licensee or the concerned person, as the case may be, person, as the case may be, shall be refunded by the shall be refunded by the Board or licensee or the Board or licensee or the concerned person, as the case concerned person, as the case may be, within a fortnight may be, within a fortnight from the date of from the date of communication of the order communication of the order of the Special Court together of the Special Court together with interest at the prevailing with interest at the prevailing
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Reserve Bank of India prime Reserve Bank of India prime lending rate for the period lending rate for the period from the date of such deposit from the date of such deposit till the date of payment. till the date of payment. Explanation.-For the purposes Explanation.-For the purposes of this section, "civil liability" of this section, "civil liability"
means loss or damage incurred means loss or damage incurred by the Board or licensee or the by the Board or licensee or the concerned person, as the case concerned person, as the case may be, due to the commission may be, due to the commission of an offence referred to in of an offence referred to in sections 135 to 139. sections 135 to 140 and Section 150.
First, we would like to point out the concept of theft of electricity. Earlier under the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 theft of electricity was dealt with under Sections 39 & 44 thereof and for the purposes of punishment it was referable to Section 379 I.P.C. The reason was as explained by the Apex Court in the case of Avtar Singh Vs. State of Punjab since reported in AIR 1965 Supreme Court 666 that electricity being not considered to be a movable property, there cannot be theft thereof within the meaning of Section 379 I.P.C. It is a theft as statutorily defined under
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Section 39/44 of the Electricity Act, 1910 and Section 379 I.P.C. is referred only for the purposes of punishment that is to be awarded. It is not a substantive offence punishable under Section 379 of the I.P.C. This Electricity Act of 1910, the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 and the Electricity Regulatory Commission Act, 1998 have been repealed and replaced by the Electricity Act, 2003 as a comprehensive legislation in this regards. In this new Act, being Act of 2003, apart from others a concept of unauthorized use of electricity has been created as distinct from theft of electricity. The basic distinction between the two provisions being the concept of dishonesty. Section 126 of the Act provides for situations where unauthorized usage of energy is found as defined therein and authorizes the specified Assessing Officer to assess to the best of his judgment the electricity charges payable by such person who uses electricity unauthorisedly. A reference to the proviso as contained in Sub-section (4) of Section 126 of the Act, as it was originally enacted, would show that if upon detection of unauthorized use a provisional assessment is made and if the sum so assessed is deposited then the person shall not be subject to any further liability or any action by any authority whatsoever. The manner in which the assessment has to be made, as originally provided, is contained in Sub-Section (6) of Section 126 which
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stipulates that it shall be made at the rate equal to 1½ times the tariff applicable. Sub-section (5) of Section 126 provides, inter alia, that the period would be maximum of six months subject to the consumer establishes a shorter period. What is unauthorized use of electricity is to be found in the explanation (b) of the said section.
Now, we may refer to Section 135 of the Act, as originally enacted. The opening words whereof are whoever dishonestly abstracts or consumes or uses electricity, commits theft of electricity and different punishment for different contingencies are provided therein. The essential difference between Section 126 and Section 135, that is, between unauthorized user of electricity and theft of electricity has been pointed out by the Apex Court in a very recent decision in the case of Executive Engineer, Southern Electricity Supply Company of Orissa Limited (SOUTHCO) & Another Vs. Sri Seetaram Rice Mill since reported in (2012) 2 Supreme Court Cases 108. The Apex Court has pointed out the two provisions operate in different fields and have no commonality with each other Section 135 deals with offence and penalty of theft electricity, which falls within criminal jurisprudence and mens rea is constituent of the said offence whereas Section 126 primarily falls under civil law and does not involve mens rea.
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Section 152 is for compounding of offences. It clearly provides how offences of theft of electricity punishable under the Act may be compounded. A table of compounding fee is prescribed therein and it clearly states that the appropriate authority may accept from the consumer a sum of money by way of compounding of offences as specified and the effect of payment would be that the criminal proceedings would stand terminated and would amount to acquittal. Sub-section (4) of Section 152 clearly stipulates the disability clause and provides that compounding of offences would be available to a person only once.
At this juncture in relation to concept and the right of compounding, we would like to note that this Section 152 is prima facie enabling provision. By the use of expression "may" as held by the Apex Court in the case of L. Hirday Narain vs. Income- Tax Officer, Bareilly since reported in AIR 1971 Supreme Court 33 the Court would readily infer a duty to exercise a power which is in aid of enforcement of a right public or private. In that case, it was dealing with Section 35 of the Income Tax Act which, inter alia, provided that the Assessing Officer may rectify a mistake. The Assessing Officer took the plea that the provision being merely enabling he may or he may not rectify the mistake. The Apex Court negatived the contention and held thus :-
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".......If a statute invests a public Officer with authority to do an act in a specified set of circumstances, it is imperative upon him to exercise his authority in a manner appropriate to the case when a party interested and having a right to apply moves in that behalf and circumstances for exercise of authority are shown to exist. Even if the words used in the statute are prima facie enabling, the Courts will readily infer a duty to exercise power which is invested in aid of enforcement of a right-public or private- of a citizen...."
"May" in the said statute was thus held to be "shall".
We may also notice that Section 152 of the Act also provides the disability clause by virtue of Sub-section (4) thereof, thus, leaving no discretion upon the authority in the matter except as provided therein. Thus, if in a case application for compounding is made the authority have no option but to accept the same upon payment of fee as specified therein which would result in acquittal. The authority has no discretion to refuse the request for compounding fees made in accordance with the provisions of Section 152 of the Act.
Now, we may refer to the procedural aspect of criminal prosecution as envisaged under the Electricity Act, 2003. The offences of theft of electricity, as contemplated under Section 135 of the Act, are to be tried by Special Courts appointed by the State
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Government with concurrence of the High Court who has to be an Additional District & Sessions Judge. By virtue of Sub-section (5) of Section 154, as was originally enacted, the Special Court had to determine the civil liability against the consumer in terms of money for theft of energy. Sub-section (5) of Section 154 provides that it shall be calculated at the rate two times the tariff rate applicable and for the period of twelve months or the exact period of theft if determined whichever less is. Here, we would like to compare this with Section 126 of Sub-sections (5) & (6) of the Act as originally enacted. The calculations are on different parameters. Under Sub-sections (5) & (6) of Section 126 for unauthorized user of electricity the rate of calculation is 1½ times the tariff and the period is maximum six months which could be less, if proved by the consumer. Whereas under Sub-section (5) of Section 154 the rate is two times the tariff rate and could extend to a period of twelve months or less upon proof by the consumer in relation to theft cases. But, when we come to the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 after its amendment by Electricity (Amendment) Act, 2007 with effect from 15.06.2007, we find that Sub-Sections (5) & (6) of Section 126 have been amended and, now for unauthorised user the calculation has to be based for a period of twelve months unless proved otherwise by the consumer
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and the rate is twice the tariff rate applicable. As noticed earlier, originally the maximum period was six months and the applicable rate was 1½ times. Similarly, under Sub-Section (5) of Section 154 of the Act, as now stands amended, the rate is again two times the tariff and the period is twelve months. It has now become obligatory on the Special Court by use of expression "Special Court shall" to make the said calculation.
Thus seen, with effect from 15.06.2007, now there is no difference between the calculation of liability in respect of unauthorized user or for that matter in a case of theft.
Now, we may refer to Sub-section (6) of Section 154 which has remained unaltered. A reference to the said provision would show that if an assessment is made under Section-126 subject to appellate order under Section 127 that would get superseded by the quantification done by the Special Court in terms of Sub-section (6) of Section 154 and if the amount as earlier determined under Section 126 and deposited by the consumer was more than what is determined by the Special Court then the amount has to be refunded to the consumer and the amount if determined is higher by the Special Court it is to be recovered as civil debt being a decree of Civil Court.
The reason for combining Section 126 and the
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consequence of Section 135 by virtue of Sub-section (6) of Section 154 is that where an unauthorized user is with a dishonest intention proved, it would be subject to what is stated in Section 135, a theft of electricity. Thus, upon detection of dishonest unauthorised user of electricity, the authority has a right to assess the amount under Section 126, subject to adjustment by final determination by the Criminal Court upon prosecution being launched.
Here, we wish to point out that the legislative policy and the mandate is that the liability of a person in default either by way of unauthorized use of electricity or by way of theft of electricity is to be determined only by the statutory authorities or the Assessing Officer under Section 126 of the Act and/or Section 154 by the Special Court. Any ipse dixit calculation or averment made in the F.I.R. has no legal sanctity at all because it is well established principle of law that when the legislature has prescribed a mode for performance of an act then the act can only be performed in the manner prescribed and all other modes are impliedly prohibited.
In this connection, we may refer to the decision of the Constitution Bench of the Apex Court in the case of Hukam Chand Shyam Lal Vs. Union of India & Ors. since reported in AIR 1976 Supreme Court 789 and, in particular, what is stated in
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paragraph-18 thereof, the relevant part whereof is quoted hereunder:-
"18. It is well settled that where a power is required to be exercised by a certain authority in a certain way, it should be exercised in that manner or not at all, and all other modes of performance are necessarily forbidden. It is all the more necessary to observe this rule where power is of a drastic nature....."
We may also notice one another important change brought by the amendment in the year 2007 which is to be found in Section 126 and Section 135. As noticed earlier, as originally enacted Sub-section (4) of Section 126 had a proviso which provided that if a person deposits the amount as assessed under Section 126 then he would be not subjected to any further liability or any action by any authority whatsoever but this proviso has been deleted by the 2007 Amendment Act and instead a proviso has been introduced along with Sub-section (1-A) to Section 135 providing that if a person deposits the assessed amount then without prejudice to the prosecution the electric supply would be restored within 48 hours of such deposit. Here, we would like to point out that again the amount of deposit has to be as per assessment under Section 126 and not on any ipse dixit figure
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mentioned in the F.I.R. or in the criminal complaint.
Thus seen, the scheme of the Act as it now stands is that where unauthorized user of electricity, within the Section 126 of the Act. is detected an assessment is to be made and to be paid by the consumer, subject to appellate remedy as provided under Section 127 of the Act. If it is coupled with dishonest intention which would make it an offence under Section 135 of the Act, being theft of electricity, then again the person would be liable to pay the assessed amount as is required to be assessed under Section 126 of the Act and in the trial before the Special Court, the Special Court has to determine the amount on the same basis that is the same rate and period upon evidence and if the assessment is less than what is assessed under Section 126 of the Act the consumer is entitled to a refund otherwise he is liable to pay it as a civil liability.
The provision of compounding as contained in Section 154 is different and distinct from the liabilities as contemplated under Section 126 or for that matter Section 154. This is an independent liability to compound the offence and is a fixed liability irrespective of the quantum of assessment. The only difference is between the Act as enacted and as it now stands after 2007 amendment is that if earlier assessment was made and it was
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paid in full then no further action including criminal prosecution could be taken by virtue of the then proviso to Sub-section (4) of Section 126 which now stands deleted. Further, now after the 2007 Amendment once even if there is a criminal prosecution and the line has been disconnected upon payment of the assessed amount by virtue of the third proviso to Sub-section (1-A) of Section 135, the supply has to be restored. Further under the Act, as originally enacted, the basis of calculation for an assessment under Section 126 and Section 154 was different. In respect of Section 126 it was 1½ times the tariff rate for a maximum period of six months [Section 126 (5) &(6)], whereas under Section 154 (5) it was two times the tariff for a period of 12 months or less as the case may be. But, now under the amended provisions both the calculations are on the same basis of twice the tariff rate and for a period of 12 months subject to consumer proving a shorter period.
Thus seen, Section 126, Section 135, Section 152 and Section 154 of the Act operate in different and distinct manner. The liability to compound is independent and distinct of assessment made in terms of Section 126 of the Act which is ultimately subject to assessment in terms of Section 154 (5) of the Act.
Thus, having examined the scheme and provisions of
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the Act, the effect of amendment in the year 2007, our answer to the referred questions would be that deposit of arrears and penalty, as assessed under Section 126 of the Act, does not amount to acquittal by virtue of compounding as contemplated under Section 152 of the Act. Compounding application has to be separately made with the deposit of compounding fee as stipulated under Section 152 of the Act and only upon payment thereof the offence can be said to be compounded resulting in acquittal and not otherwise.
A word of caution before closing. As we have noticed in respect of the present case, by virtue of Annexure-3 to this application a bill was served on the consumer showing it to be an F.I.R. bill which the consumer paid and the receipt also shows that it is a payment in respect of the F.I.R. This has no sanctity in law. The Board is entitled to bill a consumer only in accordance with the tariff and the statute. There is no scope of an F.I.R. bill as we have noted above. It is either billing regularly as per tariff or punitively under Section 126 and/or Section 154 (5) as the case may be. There is no fourth option. On threat of prosecution the Board cannot realize any amount which is not authorized or sanctioned by law.
Accordingly, we are of the view that the judgments of
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this Court, inter alia, in the case of K.N. Ram @ Kedar Nath Ram Vs. The State of Bihar and another since reported in 2007 (3) PLJR 484, Sanjay Kumar Yadav & another Vs. The State of Bihar and another since reported in 2008 (4) PLJR 665, Vimala Prasad Vs. The Bihar State Electricity Board & Ors. since reported in 2009 (2) PLJR 991, Sri Anant Kumar Vs. The State of Bihar & Others since reported in 2009 (3) PLJR 987 and Prabhash Kumar Vs. The State of Bihar & Another since reported in 2010 (1) PLJR 966, which merely hold that as the delinquent consumer has paid the punitive amount of loss as mentioned in the F.I.R. or assessed under Section 126, the prosecution cannot continue, do not lay down the correct proposition of law as in absence of compounding fee being paid as contemplated under Section 152 the offences cannot be compounded. Those lines of decisions are disapproved and consequently overruled.
While doing so, we concur with and approve the decisions of this Court taken in the case of Kamaljeet Singh Vs. The Bihar State Electricity Board & others since reported in 2010 (3) PLJR 514, M/s Zee Saheb Cosmetic Zone through its proprietor Mr. Rajiv Ranjan Gupta Vs. The Bihar State Electricity Board & others since reported in 2010 (4) PLJR 863,
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M/s S.K. Food Product Vs. The Bihar State Electricity Board & others since reported in 2011 (1) PLJR 949 and Md. Sakil Ahmad Vs. The Bihar State Electricity Board & others since reported in 2012 (1) PLJR 63 which is in consonance with the scheme of the Act as found by us above.
The reference to Division Bench having been answered accordingly. Let the matter be placed before appropriate Single Bench of this Court for final disposal in accordance with the observations made by the Hon'ble Judge referring the matter to Division Bench by order dated 28.04.2010 in this case.
(Navaniti Prasad Singh, J) Ashwani Kumar Singh, J. I agree.
(Ashwani Kumar Singh, J) Trivedi/