- The Orissa High Court directed police to restore electricity to a man’s house in Balasore.
- Villagers had cut power over non-payment of Durga Puja donation.
- The court ruled such action illegal, citing violation of basic rights under Article
The Orissa High Court has ordered the local police for the restoration of electricity supply to Daitary Sahu's house that was cut by the villagers for the non-payment of Durga Puja chanda (donation) in Balasore, reported by Indian Express. Criticising the act of citing hindering the basic right by the villagers for withholding the electricity for two years on the pretext of non-payment of Rs 5,000 as chanda for festival, Justice Savitri Ratho directed the authorities for reconnecting electricity supply wires.
“Electricity is a basic amenity. It cannot be denied to the petitioner. The obstruction of the villagers to the officials of the TPNODL on the ground of non-payment of ‘Chanda' is per se illegal,” said Justice Ratho, according to Indian Express.
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The basic human rights cannot be overshadowed due to social pressure, as per the Indian Constitution Article 21, which guarantees the right to life. The article is considered a basic necessity for dignified human existence, health, and education, making its denial, especially in lawful premises, illegal. Judicial interpretations have held that electricity is not just a commodity but an essential service and an integral part of life and dignity.
The Case
Daitary Sahu got his house under the Indira Awas Yojana in Balasore, but for the last two years he has been living without electricity as he refused to donate for the Durga Puja fund on October 28, 2023, as per Indian Express. Sahu applied for reconnection on September 30, 2024, after which multiple restoration attempts were obstructed by villagers' protests. Initially, on February 24, 2025, the Orissa High Court ordered authorities to take action. After which a series of face-offs were logged between the authorities, police, and the villagers.
As per the officials' letter, neither Sahu nor family members supported them, while strong protests erupted several times when the officials of the department visited with police personnel to reconnect the power supply. In many events between April and May 2025, the state authorities and determined villagers remained locked in a stalemate over the restoration of the power supply.
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Court Decision on Case
The court nullified the villagers' action as an anti-jurisdiction act; they have “neither any right nor authority” to prevent restoration of electricity and forcefully prevented the officials from doing their duties effectively. The court has ordered the police to deploy sufficient personnel to ensure the restoration of electricity to the petitioner's residence. This action must be completed within two weeks of receiving this order. And also, the SP is directed to resolve the conflict between the petitioner and the villagers so that they can live with harmony.
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