Power theft: Bill for severe punishment passed

By Our Special Correspondent

BANGALORE, AUG. 1. The Electricity (Karnataka Amendment) Bill, which seeks to make punishment for theft of power more stringent, was passed by the Legislative Assembly on Wednesday without much discussion.

Earlier, the punishment for theft of power was imprisonment for a maximum of three years or fine of not less than Rs.1,000, or both. The amendment provides for imprisonment for five years with a minimum of three months, and a fine of between Rs.5,000 and Rs.50,000.

The Bill, moved by the Minister for Law and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. D.B.Chandre Gowda, provides for a person convicted under the Bill to be debarred from being granted the facility of power supply for a period between three months and two years.

Replying to the discussions, the Minister said the department concerned would be asked to examine a suggestion to establish a three-member tribunal to try cases of power theft.

During discussions, Mr. A.Ramdas (BJP) favoured a three-member tribunal headed by a judicial officer of the rank of a High Court Judge for trying major cases. He wanted a provision for taking action against persons who filed frivolous cases.

The Janata Dal(U) floor leader, Mr. P.G.R.Sindhia, said the Government should not interfere in matters related to purchases made by the Karnataka Power Transmission Corporation Ltd. (KPTCL). He wanted the KPTCL Vigilance Wing to be strengthened.

Mr. Muddahanume Gowda (Congress) said the power to compound offences should be vested with the special courts which tried the cases.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Southern States
Previous : Farmers' suicide: Panel to study reasons
Next     : Takeover of sick units ruled out