Whoever-
(a) Connects any meter referred to in Section 26, sub-section
(1), or any meter, indicator or apparatus referred to in Section 26, subsection (7), with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply-line; or 3[(aa) Unauthorisedly reconnects any meter referred to in subsection (1) of Section 26, with any electric supply-line or other works, being the property of the licensee, through which energy in ay be supplied, when the said electric supply line or other works has or have been cut or disconnected under sub-section ( I) of Section 24; or]
(b) Lays, or causes to be laid, or connects any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee.
(c) Maliciously injures any meter referred to in Section 26, subsection (1), or any meter. Indicator or apparatus referred to in Section 26, sub-section (7), or wilfully or fraudulently alters the index of any such meter, indicator or apparatus, or prevents any such meter, indicator or apparatus from duly registering; or
(d) Improperly uses the energy of a licensee, 1[shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years. or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both], and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to fifty rupees; and 2[ if it is proved that any artificial means exist] for making such connection as is referred to in clause (a) 2 [or such re-connection as is referred to in clause (aa),] or such communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for causing such alteration or prevention as is referred to in clause (c), or for facilitating such improper use as is referred to in clause (d), and that the meter, indicator or apparatus is under the custody or control of the consumer, whether it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved 1[that such connection, reconnection, communication,] alteration, prevention or improper use, as the case may be, has been Knowingly and wilfully caused by such consumer.
1. Subs. by Act No. 31 of 1986 sec. 3, for certain words.
2. Ins. by Act No. 31 of 1986, sec. 3.
3. Ins. by Act No. 31 of 1986, sec. 3.