Nagpur: The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Wednesday questioned whether electricity consumers would receive prior notice if smart meters installed across Maharashtra were converted into prepaid systems in the future. The query arose during a hearing on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the rollout of smart meters by the state and the Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL).
Court raises concerns over prepaid functionality
A division bench comprising Justices Anil Kilor and Raj Wakode raised the issue after MSEDCL clarified that the current exercise involves installation of smart meters, not compulsory prepaid meters. Pratik Puri appeared for the petitioner, Additional Government Pleader Deepak Thakare represented the government, and Sundeep Badana held brief for the intervenor.
Before adjourning the hearing till June 22, the court asked whether any statutory provision mandates prior intimation to consumers before activation of prepaid functionality in smart meters. The bench directed the petitioner to examine relevant provisions and clarify the legal position during the next hearing.
PIL filed by consumer association
The PIL was filed by Prashant Daryapurkar, president of the Vidarbha Electricity Consumers Association, Yavatmal. He alleged that the Union Ministry of Power, Maharashtra government, and MSEDCL were effectively forcing consumers to adopt smart prepaid meters, raising fears that electricity supply could be disconnected if recharge amounts were not maintained. During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel argued that consumers were receiving messages regarding installation of smart meters, creating apprehension among citizens over compulsory migration to prepaid systems.
MSEDCL's stand on prepaid meters
MSEDCL counsel SV Purohit informed the court that conventional meters are currently being replaced with postpaid smart meters and that prepaid functionality would be made available only to consumers who opt for it voluntarily. The court was also informed that the state plans to replace nearly 2.44 crore meters with smart meters, and over 1 crore installations have already taken place.
A key issue that emerged was whether consumers possess the legal right to refuse installation of smart meters altogether. The bench directed the petitioner to clearly state its stand on that aspect.
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