Petitioner/complainant has been provided with an electric connection to run his atta chakki.  On 05.12.2002 his meter was checked by Shri Deepak Popli, Asst. Executive Engineer of the respondent.  It was noticed that the meter was recording one unit of energy in 150 revolutions instead of 100 revolutions as specified on the specification plate of energy meter.  The meter was removed from the site, packed in a cardboard box, sealed in accordance with rules.  The connected load of the complainant  was found 11.27 k.w.  On

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checking the meter in M & T Lab it was found that the lace wire of the seals was cut, refitted in the hole to abstract energy dishonestly.  Since the complainant had been found committing theft of electricity, respondent raised penalty bill of Rs.74,954/-.  Petitioner filed the complaint before the District Forum.  In the complaint, it was stated that no notice for alleged checking was given to him and the penalty was imposed without affording any hearing to him.

          District Forum allowed the complaint, aggrieved against which the respondent filed an appeal before the State Commission.  The State Commission has allowed the appeal by the impugned order.  

          It is not disputed before us that the petitioner’s premises were checked by the Asst. Executive Engineer and he found that the meter was recording one unit of energy in 150 revolutions instead of               100 revolutions as specified on the specification place of energy meter.  The meter was duly packed and sent to M & T Lab which confirmed the report of the Asst. Executive Engineer.  The meter was inspected in the presence of the petitioner by the Asst. Executive Engineer. 

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          We agree with the view taken by the State Commission that the petitioner was stealing the energy.  The report of Asst. Executive Engineer was duly confirmed by the M & T Lab.  There is no material on record to show to the contrary.  No merits.  Dismissed.