Noushad Khan (Petitioner) VS Fed. of Pakistan and Others (Respondent)

ORDER SHEET

IN THE HIGH COURT OF SINDH AT KARACHI

Constitution Petition No. D – 4701 of 2023

Date Order with signature of Judge

FRESH CASE

1.For orders on Misc. No. 21619/2023.

2.For orders on office objection No. 1.

3.For orders on Misc. No. 21620/2023.

4.For hearing of Main Case.

5.For orders on Misc. No. 21621/2023.

Mr. Iqbal Ahmed Qureshi, advocate for the petitioner.

1-5. Through instant petition, the petitioner has expressed his grievance against issuance an exorbitant electricity bill for the month of June, 2022, wherein, according to learned counsel for the petitioner, for the first time, an amount of Rs.550,585/- over and above the bill as per electricity consumed, has been shown as payable by the petitioner. According to learned counsel, no reason has assigned for demanding such amount and thereafter, such amount has been increased every month, and for the month of September, 2023, an amount of Rs.65,45,254/- has been shown as payable in addition to the normal bill charged as per electricity consumed.

Learned counsel for the petitioner was inquired as to whether the petitioner has approached the Electric Inspector or the NEPRA Authorities for the purposes seeking

correction/reduction in the bills under the Electricity Act, 1910, in response to which, learned counsel for the petitioner has candidly stated that petitioner did not file any such complaint or proceedings, however, has been visiting the electricity office for correction of the bill, however, no action has been taken so far,

whereas, the electricity of the petitioner has been disconnected in the month of March, 2023.

Since, the petitioner has not availed the remedy to file a complaint before the Electric Inspector under the Electricity Act, 1910 or to seek correction of bill from K-Electric, therefore, it will be appropriate if petitioner may approach the K-Electric or Inspector or the NEPRA Authorities, who shall decide the matter in accordance with law within a period of four weeks’ from the date when the petitioner may file such complaint in writing before the concerned authorities, however, after providing opportunity of being heard. In case of any further grievance, petitioner may be at liberty to seek further remedy as may be available to the petitioner in accordance with law.

Instant petition stands disposed of in the above terms alongwith all listed applications.

JUDGE

JUDGE

A.S.