Authority: West Bengal High Court

Order Date: 03 September 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Dilip Paul (petitioner) vs. Government of West Bengal, West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) and private respondents.
  • Petition: Petitioner alleges that an electric line, installed by WBSEDCL in 2002, passes through his property, which he acquired in 2010, and seeks its relocation.
  • Representation: Petitioner submitted a representation dated 26 February 2026 requesting the line be shifted.
  • WBSEDCL’s Position: The line was drawn in 2002 without objection; petitioner’s ownership began only in 2010, and objections were raised thereafter.
  • Court Findings: Since a formal representation exists, WBSEDCL must give it due attention, inspect feasibility of an alternative supply route, and consider the petitioner’s and private respondents’ interests.

Court Directions

1. WBSEDCL to conduct an inspection to determine if electricity can be supplied to the private respondents without affecting the petitioner’s property, with advance notice to both parties.

2. If an alternative route is technically feasible, WBSEDCL must inform the petitioner of the alternative and the charges the petitioner would need to bear for shifting.

3. The entire consideration, inspection, and disposal of the representation must be completed within eight weeks from the date of the order.

4. Prior to final disposal, WBSEDCL must hear both the petitioner and the private respondents.

5. WBSEDCL shall pass a reasoned order in accordance with law within the eight‑week period and communicate it to the parties within one week of passing.

6. Any shifting work will proceed only if the petitioner agrees to and pays the stipulated charges.

7. No order as to costs was awarded.

8. An urgent certified photocopy of the order may be supplied if applied for.

Final Outcome

  • The writ petition (WPA 22080 of 2026) is disposed of with the above directions. WBSEDCL is mandated to inspect, consider alternatives, notify parties, and issue a reasoned order within the stipulated timeline, with the shifting of the line contingent upon payment of charges by the petitioner.

Topics: Electricity Line Relocation, Utility Regulation, Court Order