Penalty for interference with meters or licensee's works and for improper use of energy

"44. Penalty for interference with meters or licensee's works and for improper use of energy

1. (1) Whoever—
   • (a) connects any meter, indicator or apparatus with any electric supply line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply line, without the previous consent of the licensee,
   • (b) lays, or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee, without such consent as aforesaid,
   • (c) willfully injures or 1[fraudulently, alters the index of any meter, indicator or apparatus], or prevents any such meter, indicator or apparatus from duly registering,
   • (d) 1[abstracts, consumes or uses or draws, or permits to be abstracted, consumed, used or drawn], any energy,
   • (e) uses any energy in contravention of the provisions of any law for the time being in force or of any condition of supply imposed by the licensee, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to two lakh rupees, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to two thousand rupees; and if it is proved that any artificial means or means not authorised by the electricity utility exist for the abstraction, consumption, use or draw of energy by the consumer or any other person, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that any abstraction, consumption, use or draw of energy has been dishonestly caused by such consumer or person: Provided that such imprisonment shall not be less than one month and
     • (i) such fine shall not be less than ten thousand rupees, and
     • (ii) such daily fine shall not be less than one hundred rupees."