Authority: High Court at Calcutta (Constitutional Writ Jurisdiction)
Order Date: 03 September 2026
Case Overview
- Parties: Petitioners Maya Singh (WPA 18656) and Smt. Kalpana Bakshi (WPA 20834) vs. West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) and private respondents (nos. 6‑9). Additional application (CAN 1) by Sanjib Mondal seeking party status.
- Nature: Both petitioners seek residential electricity connections; WBSEDCL ready to supply but cannot due to objections from private landowners blocking the proposed line.
- Proceedings: Court ordered inspection by WBSEDCL with all parties present; no alternative route could be identified.
- Observations: The sole impediment is lack of an alternative route/way‑leave; under Works of Licensee Rules, 2006, the District Magistrate is the appropriate authority to resolve.
Final Outcome
- The two writ petitions are disposed.
- Petitioners are directed to file representations with the District Magistrate, South 24‑Parganas, detailing grievances and proposing alternative routes.
- The District Magistrate must conduct an inspection in presence of all parties, issue a reasoned order within eight weeks of representation, and communicate the order within one week.
- Upon decision, the Magistrate shall fix a time frame for effecting electricity supply via the approved alternative route.
- The application to add Sanjib Mondal as a party is dismissed; he may also approach the District Magistrate under the same proceedings.
- No costs awarded; urgent certified copy of the order may be supplied upon request.
Topics: Electricity Supply Dispute, District Magistrate Intervention