New Delhi: The Supreme Court today (Mar 9, 2004) directed the Delhi Government to set up five more courts as requested by the High Court to deal with an anticipated 5,500 cases per year relating to power thefts and asked it to appoint officers for inspection of premises suspected of stealing electricity.

A Bench comprising Justice Ruma Pal and Justice P V Reddi passed the order after hearing amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar who pointed out that though the State Government had appointed Assessing Officers under the Delhi Electricity Act, 2003, it had not taken steps for appointment of other officers.

The Court took into account the affidavits filed by the three power distribution companies, BSES Rajdhani Power, Delhi Transco and North Delhi Power Ltd which said that they expected around 5,500 cases to be instituted every year pertaining to power thefts and violation of the Act.

The Delhi High Court has recommended setting up two special courts under the Act as an interim measure and has suggested setting up of a total of five courts to deal with offences under the Electricity Act.

Appearing for Delhi Government, advocate Wasim Quadri said the Government would take appropriate action as suggested by the Delhi High Court.

The Court was informed that the Centre has delegated the powers under the Act to the Delhi Government for appointment of Assessing Officers and Inspectors for search of premises.