Lok Adalat on Dec 8-9 for power theft cases

"The Lok Adalat will provide BYPL customers a one-time opportunity for an amicable and on-the-spot settlement of cases relating to direct theft and meter tampering," a BYPL official said.

Cases involving sum of up to Rs 25 lakhs will be taken-up at the Lok Adalat to be held at the Karkardooma Court premises.

"To ensure the success of the Lok Adalat, BYPL is taking all possible steps to inform eligible customers through various channels. Besides sending notices, the company is also running radio spots on popular FM stations," BYPL CEO Ramesh Narayanan said.

He said around 20,000 letters and notices have been sent to the concerned customers and litigants. Of these, the maximum numbers of cases -- 3,825 -- are from Yamuna Vihar.

The company said it was offering the "last opportunity" to the consumers to settle the cases and in case of a default, it will be compelled to initiate criminal proceedings against them as per provision of the Electricity Act, 2003.

The Lok Adalat will take up all the power theft cases, including those already pending before various courts in Delhi, including the Special Court of Electricity, Karkardooma and Tees Hazari.

"There are twin advantages in settling cases through such Lok Adalats; they help settle cases at a quicker pace and are mutually settled between the two parties," said a BYPL official.

He said customers desirous of settling their power theft cases can either attend in person or through their advocates.

To reduce the response time to dispose of cases, a total of 12 courts will be set up for the purpose.