High Court halts mandatory installation of smart meters by BESCOM
Bengaluru: The Karnataka High Court passed an interim order on Friday staying the mandatory installation of smart meters for electricity supply connection by the Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company (BESCOM) and the state government.
The petition was filed by M Jayalakshmi, a resident of Doddaballapur town in Bengaluru Rural district, challenging the BESCOM communication to her asking for a payment of Rs 8,800 for the installation of the smart meter. She had said that, on March 29, she had submitted a requisition to convert the single-phase meter connection for her house located at TB Natayanappa Layout to a three-phase meter connection.
Jayalakshmi’s advocate, Prabhuling Navadgi, argued that, although the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has said that smart meters are optional, except for temporary connections, BESCOM has made it mandatory.
The installation charges, which were earlier Rs 2,000 in Karnataka, now cost Rs 8,510, proving to be a huge burden on the consumers. Also, the charges for the new meters are only Rs 900 in the neighbouring states, Navadgi pointed out. He opined that, the entire process being outsources to private agencies, making the installation of smart meters mandatory would be harsh on the consumers.
Justice M Nagaprasanna, who heard the case, questioned the respondents and also asked if the problem was an outcome of the freebies by the government.
"Advocates say that in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Chhattisgarh, it costs Rs 900. Where will poor people go? Who asked for free electricity? This is what you should reduce. You have outsourced the thing. Now if you say all permanent connections must have smart meters, where will the poor go?" the judge said.
The case has been adjourned till June 4.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Actor Rajpal Yadav walks out of Tihar Jail after HC suspends sentence in cheque bounce cases
New Delhi (PTI): Actor Rajpal Yadav walked out of Tihar Jail on Tuesday evening after the Delhi High Court permitted his temporary release from jail in cheque bounce cases.
After all formalities were completed, Rajpal Yadav walked out of Tihar jail around 4.50 pm, a source said. He was granted relief after submitting Rs 1.5 crore to the complainant.
Speaking to reporters outside the jail, Yadav said he has received unwavering support from across the country.
“In 2027, I will have completed 30 years of working in Bollywood. Everyone has been with me. That is why I could do 200-250 films,” Yadav said.
The actor said he has always complied with the directions of the high court and would continue to do so, adding that he was available whenever required.
"The love and backing of people from across the nation remain with him, and that if there are any allegations, he is ready to respond fully and transparently," Yadav said.
“If anyone wanted legal details, they could speak to my advocate,” he added.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma granted interim suspension of the six-month sentence after noting that Yadav had deposited Rs 1.5 crore to the complainant, M/s Murali Projects Pvt Ltd.
"We are granting you an interim suspension of sentence... It is till the next date of hearing," the court said, while directing Yadav to surrender his passport and not leave the country without prior permission. The court also ordered him to remain present, either physically or virtually, on the next date of hearing on March 18.
Yadav had sought suspension of his sentence citing a marriage in his family on February 19.
Delhi: Actor Rajpal Yadav has been released from Tihar Jail pic.twitter.com/4iz1Jdbsi9
— IANS (@ians_india) February 17, 2026
