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

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

1. (a) connects any meter referred to in section 26, sub-section (1), or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in section 26, sub-section (7), with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee. or disconnects the same from any such electric supply-line, without giving to the licensee forty-eight hours notice in writing of his intention ; or
2. (aa) unauthcri-edly re-connects any meter referred to in sub-section

1. (1) of section 26, or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in sub-section
2. (7) cf section 26, with any electric supply-line or other works, being the property of the licensee, throuolr which energy may be srr;;p!icd, when the said ekctric supply-line or other works has or have hem cut or disconnected under sub-section
3. (1) of section 24 ; or
   • (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, withu.?t such licensee's consent ; or
   • (c) maliciously injures any meter referred to in section 26, sub-section (1). or any meter, i~dicator or apparatus reforred to in section 26, sub-section
4. (7) or wilfully or fraudulently alt~rs the index of any such meter, indicator or app::ratus, or prevcnts any such meter. indicator or apparatus from duly registering ; or
   • (d) improperly uses the energy of a licensee ; shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees ; and if it is proved that any artificial means exist for iimaking for such re-connection as is referred to in clause (aa), or wtch communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for causing such alt~ration or prevention as is referred to in clause (c), or for facilitating such improper use as is referred to in clause (d), and that the meter, indicator or apparatus js under the custody or control of the consumer. whether it is his property or not it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that such connection, re-connection, communication, alteration, prevention, or improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and r;ilfullp'caused by such consumer.