(a) whether there is any provision of filing FIR against the theft of electricity under the Electricity Act, 2003;
(b) if so, the details thereof along with cases filed during each of the last three years including action taken thereon;
(c) whether instances of non-filing of FIR has been reported to the Government; and
(d) if so, the details thereof along with the reasons therefor?
THE MINISTER OF STATE (INDEPENDENT CHARGE) FOR POWER,
COAL AND NEW & RENEWABLE ENERGY
( SHRI PIYUSH GOYAL )
(a) & (b) : Yes, Madam. Section 135 of Electricity Act, 2003 has specific provisions for detection of theft and penalizing a consumer with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both. Use of electricity through tampered meters and use of electricity for unauthorized purpose etc. are covered under the definition of theft under Section 135(1) (d) & (e) of Electricity Act, 2003. Further, Section 153 of Electricity Act, 2003 provides for setting up Special Courts in the states for speedy trial of offences related to theft of electricity and other offences as referred in sections 135 to 140 and Section 150 of Electricity Act, 2003.
The details of cases related to theft of electricity filed in Special courts set up by various States/ Union Territories during last 3 years i. e. 2012-13 , 2013-14 & 2014-15 ( upto Nov. 2014) and the action taken thereon i.e. no. of theft cases in which prosecution has taken place and no. of theft cases in which the penalty has been awarded/judgment passed by the Courts during above years as received from States/UTs are enclosed at Annex.
(c) & (d) : No specific information is available in this regard.
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