Srinagar– The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is facing backlash for publicly identifying consumers engaged in illegal practices like hooking, meter bypass, and surpassing agreed load limits.
An official from KPDCL told Kashmir Observer that the “operation” to publicly identify individuals was launched to combat pilferage and minimize power theft.
He mentioned that more than two thousand consumers have been fined so far, and the operation will continue.
He further said that over 15000 inspections have been conducted so far and fines of Rs.2 crore have been imposed. “Over 1000 illegal connections have been regularized so far,” he said.
While the initiative has received support from a cross-section of society, a number of citizens have criticized KPDCL on social media platforms. They argue that the department should provide the accused individuals with an opportunity to prove their innocence before taking public actions.
“This is a violation of the right to privacy,” said Fahrah Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar said, adding, “Nobody is endorsing power theft, but there should be other options rather than publicly filming individuals and sharing it on social media.
Notably, a video of an old man accused of power theft and engaging in an argument with the KPDCL lineman, apparently in Srinagar, went viral on social media. In the video, the man can be heard saying, “Yum che mae seeth za’aditi ka’rran (they (PDD lineman) are harassing me only).”
“Naming and shaming encourages vigilantism. These families deserve a fair chance or even legal action but not to be subjected to public shaming for life. It bypasses the legal system and denies the accused an opportunity for a fair trial!” Arshie Qureshi, a social media user posted on X. She further reminded the power department that being accused of theft doesn’t “deprive anyone of their rights to privacy”.
On December 9, the KPDCL made it official on their X handle that they are going to name and shame the power theft accused on social media.
“Look for this space as we start naming & shaming those consumers, who indulge in hooking, bypass of meters and exceeding agreed load. Name, Consumer ID, Address, House – all will go into the public domain. Let us end the loot,” Kashmir Power DISCOM posted on X.
The department maintained that a consumer cannot exceed his/her sanctioned load. “The utility provides infrastructure based on the sanctioned load in an area. Using more power than sanctioned can cause damage to equipment,” the KPDCL said.
Another post from the official handle of the Superintending Engineer Operation and Maintenance Circle-I, Srinagar, stated, “This is the only mindset which we are fighting. Please join hands against the BIJLEE CHOOR’S to ensure the savings is used somewhere in the hospital or by a student preparing for his future.”
Shayan Nabi Banday, another consumer posted, “Is naming and shaming ethical? Before you start that, can you please give the names of defaulters of electricity bills? Top 10 defaulters?”
Advocate Asif Wani, who practices at High Court of Jammu and Kashmir argues that publicly denouncing the alleged offenders is no less than a pre-trial conviction. “It puts the cherished rights of the citizens in jeopardy and amounts to a violation of the rights guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution,” he said.
He further added that, besides impinging upon the privacy of the alleged offenders, the practice gives complete go-by to the procedure established by law provided under the Electricity Act 2003, which has been made applicable to J&K post-2019.
“The act provides for the constitution of special courts to conduct trials related to electricity offenses. In J&K the courts of Principal District and Sessions judges are in place in every territorial jurisdiction and they have been empowered to act as special courts for electricity-related offenses,” he said.
“In the presence of a proper legal mechanism, there is no justification for anyone to take it upon themselves to deal with the alleged offenders. Such actions have no place in a society governed by the rule of law. Every alleged offender deserves to be heard before being unilaterally denounced, in whatever manner,” he added.
Many consumers told Kashmir Observer that name and shaming individuals publicly takes a toll on their mental health of families.
“We aren’t against stopping people from power theft. They deserve to be punished but there should be a proper system. The law of the land should take their own course. Will naming and shaming stop hooking? I don’t think so,” said Bilal Ahmad, another resident of Srinagar.
However, the KPDCL official told Kashmir Observer that a number of alternative legal approaches for authorities, such as fines, disconnection of power supply, and regular inspections have proven to be ineffective in addressing this issue.
“That’s why this operation has been launched and trust me, it’s working for us,” he added.
Principal Secretary of Power Development Department (PDD) H Rajesh Prasad told Kashmir Observer that people have no right to steal electricity and use it illegally.
“What is shameful for anyone who has stolen the electricity? They should stop. Even in a normal theft case, police name the accused in the FIR, which is a public document. If anyone has a problem they should approach the court, we will see it,” Prasad said.
He said they have all the evidence against the accused and how they illegally restore to pilferage. “We have other options as well; this is in addition to that. They weren’t enough, this was needed to build social pressure,” he added. Prasad further said they will intensify the operations and carry them out more vigorously.
On the other hand, KPDCL is providing round-the-clock power supply as a reward to areas with low AT&C losses. A circular issued by Chief Engineer Javid Yusuf Dar outlined the specifics of the incentive programme. The circular explicitly stated, “To incentivize consumers with smart metering and feeders with low AT&C losses, there shall be no curtailment affected on 11KV outgoing feeders.”
Notably, the center has allocated additional power of ~1400 MW from various Central Generating Stations to meet the power demand in the UT.
In December, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, met Minister of Power and New & Renewable Energy, Shri R. K. Singh, to review the Power Sector in J&K.
According to reports, Manoj Sinha sought additional power supply to address a 1,380 MW deficit expected during the winter season.
“The total peak demand of J&K is expected to be around 2800 MW, during winter. This allocation will be available till March 2024,” a statement reads.
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