BSES to hold Lok Adalats for power theft cases on December 8-9

The Delhi electricity distribution company (discom) BSES on Wednesday announced that special Lok Adalats to settle power theft cases in the areas under its jurisdiction will be held on December 8 and 9.

In a release, the discom said notices had been sent in this regard to 20,000 consumers of both BSES Rajdhani Power Ltd (BRPL) and BSES Yamuna Power Ltd (BYPL) who are "litigants" in power theft cases.

The discom said it would provide the facilities for on-the-spot reconnection following settlement of dues, as well as applying for on-the-spot new connections.

"Consumers can use this opportunity, for an amicable and on-the-spot settlement of their power theft cases, relating to both Direct Theft and Meter Tampering," a BSES statement said.

The Lok Adalats are being organised jointly by the Delhi Legal Services Authority (DLSA) and the BSES.

The BRPL will be organising the two-day Lok Adalat on Saturday and Sunday at Karkardooma, Saket and Dwarka district courts for the residents of south and west Delhi, while the permanent Lok Adalat Building, ITO (near Mata Sundari College) and the Karkardooma court will have hearings only on December 8 for BYPL consumers in central and east Delhi, it said.

"Customers desirous of settling their power theft cases can either attend in person or through their authorised representatives," the BSES said.

To reduce the response time for disposal of cases, a total of 32 courts (BRPL-20, BYPL-12) will be set up, it added.

"Cases that are either pending in any court of law or are yet to be filed in any such court will be taken up by the Lok Adalat," the statement said.

As per its environment-friendly policy, the BSES has decided to make proceedings at the Lok Adalats a paperless affair. "There will be no physical movements of files and all relevant case documents and files will be accessed through 40 computers deployed for the purpose," it said.

"The Lok Adalats organised in the last financial year saw over 8,500 cases with a value of around Rs 80 crore getting settled. We are expecting a good response to Lok Adalats, this season as well," a BSES spokesperson said.

According to the discom, the forthcoming special courts are being organised on popular demand.

--IANS

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