Section Text
1) Whoever, dishonestly --
(a) cuts or removes or takes way or transfers any electric line, material or meter from a tower, pole, any other installation or place of installation or any other place, or site where it may be rightfully or lawfully stored, deposited, kept, stocked, situated or located including during transportation, without the consent of the licensee 1 Subs. by Act 26 of 2007, Sec. 13 for the words “Any officer authorized” (w.e.f. 15th June 2007) 2 Subs. by Act 57 of 2003, Sec. 5 for the words “has been or is being or is likely to be” (w.e.f. 27th January, 20004). - 101 - The Electricity Act, 2003 ________________________________________________________________________ or the owner, as the case may be, whether or not the act is done for profit or gain; or (b) stores, possesses or otherwise keeps in his premises, custody or control, any electric line, material or meter without the consent of the owner, whether or not the act is committed for profit or gain; or (c) loads, carries, or moves from one place to another any electric line, material or meter without the consent of its owner, whether or not the act is done for profit or gain, is said to have committed an offence of theft of electric lines and materials, and shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both.
(2) If a person, having been convicted of an offence punishable under sub- section (1) is again guilty of an offence punishable under that sub-section, he shall be punishable for the second or subsequent offence for a term of imprisonment which shall not be less than six months but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees. Section