Section Text
1) Every person generating, transmitting, supplying or using energy (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "operator") shall take all reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his electric supply-lines and other works ana in working his system, so as not injuriously to affect, whether by induction or otherwise, the working of any wire or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephone or electric- signalling communication, or the currents in such wire or line.
(2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the operator and the telegraph-authority as to whether the operator has constructed, laid down or placed his electric supply-lines or other works, or worked his system, in contravention of sub-section (1), or as to whether the working of any wire, line or current is or is not injuriously affected thereby, the matter shall be referred to112[the Central Government] and112[the Central Government] unless113[it] is of opinion that the wire or line has been placed in unreasonable proximity to the electric supply-lines or works of the operator after the construction of such lines or works, may direct the operator to make such alterations in, or additions to, his system as may be necessary in order to comply with the provisions of this section, and the operator shall make such alterations or additions accordingly:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to the repair, renewal or amendment of any electric supply-line so long as the course of the electric supply-line and the amount and nature of the energy transmitted thereby are not altered.
(3) Where the operator makes default in complying with the requirements of this section, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by reason thereof, and, where any difference-or dispute arises as to the amount of such compensation, the matter shall be deter- mined by arbitration. SECTION 33 NOTICE OF ACCIDENTS AND INQUIRIES 114 [(1) If any accident occurs in connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy in or in connection with, any part of the electric supply-lines or other works of any person and the accident results or is likely to have resulted in loss of human or animal life or in any injury to a human being or an animal, such person shall give notice of the occurrence and of any such loss or injury actually caused by the accident, in such form and within such time as may be prescribed, to the Electrical Inspector and to such other authorities as the appropriate Government may by general or special order, direct.] (2)115[The appropriate Government] may, if it thinks fit, require any116[Electrical Inspector], or any other competent person appointed by it in this behalf, to inquire and report-
(a) as to the cause of any accident affecting the safety of the public, which may have been occasioned by or in connection with the generation, transmission, supply or use of energy; or (b) as to the manner in, and extent to, which the provisions of this Act or of any licence or rules there under, so far as those provisions affect the safety of any person, have been complied with. 117[(3) Every Electrical Inspector or other person holding an inquiry under sub-section (2) shall have all the powers of a Civil Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), for the purpose of enforcing the attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of document and material objects, and every person required by an Electrical Inspector or such other person as aforesaid to furnish any information shall be deemed to be legally bound to do so within the meaning of Sec. 176 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).