Cutting off or witholding essential supply or service

17.

1. (1) No landlord or tenant either by himself or through any person shall without just and sufficient cause, cut off or withhold any essential supply or service in the premises occupied by the tenant or the landlord.
2. (2) In case of contravention of provisions of sub-section
3. (1) and on application from the tenant or the landlord, as the case may be, the Rent Controlling Authority after examining the matter may pass an interim order directing the restoration of supply of essential services immediately pending the inquiry referred to in sub-section (3).
4. (3) The Rent Controlling Authority shall conduct an inquiry against the application made by the landlord or the tenant, as the case may be, and complete this inquiry within one month of filing of the application.
5. (4) The Rent Controlling Authority may also levy a penalty on the person responsible for cutting off or withholding the essential supply, which may extend upto five thousand rupees.
6. (5) The Rent Controlling Authority may direct that compensation be paid to the landlord or tenant if it finds that the application was made frivolously or vexatiously. Explanation., Essential services includes supply of water, electricity, lights in passages, lifts and on staircase, conservancy, parking, communication links and sanitary services.