Arbitrary Disconnection Overturned; Court Upholds Principles of Natural Justice Against Unlawful Power Cut
The Telangana High Court, presided over by Justice Smt. Renuka Yara, delivered a significant judgment on March 16, 2026, in the case of B. Vijay Kumar v. State of Telangana, where it ruled against the arbitrary disconnection of electricity supply to a stone crushing unit. This decision underscores the imperatives of adhering to due process and upholding the principles of natural justice.
In this case, the petitioner, B. Vijay Kumar, operated a stone crushing unit named M/s. Venkateshwara Stone Crusher, located in Rampur Village, Sangareddy District. The unit had its electricity supply disconnected without prior notice on December 25, 2025, after a request from the Pollution Control Department to the Electricity Department, although no formal communication was substantiated. The petitioner, represented by Advocate Sankalp Pissay, argued that the action violated statutory provisions under the Electricity Act, 2023, and the principles of natural justice.
During the proceedings, it was revealed that the electricity was cut without fulfilling any conditions justifying such a measure under Sections 47(3), 56, and 135(1A) of the Electricity Act, 2023. These sections permit disconnection in cases of non-payment, lack of reasonable security, or theft of electricity. The petitioner had already submitted all required documents through digital communication, which were not acknowledged by the respondents.
The court emphasized that the disconnection was not supported by necessary inter-departmental communication and constituted a breach of procedural fairness, as no notice or explanation was provided to the petitioner. The respondents failed to demonstrate any request from the Pollution Control Board that could justify their action.
Justice Yara directed the restoration of electricity supply and restrained the respondents from future disconnections without due legal process. This judgment reaffirms the necessity for government departments to operate within legal frameworks, ensuring that individual rights are protected against arbitrary administrative actions.
Bottom Line:
Disconnection of electricity supply to a stone crushing unit without following due process of law is arbitrary and unsustainable.
Statutory provision(s): Electricity Act, 2023 Sections 47(3), 56, 135(1A); Articles 14, 19, 21 of the Constitution of India.
B. Vijay Kumar v. State of Telangana, (Telangana) : Law Finder Doc id # 2877223
