The petitioner had purchased 30 Acres and 35 Sq. Meters of property situated in Survey No.152/4 of the Pulimath Village by virtue of Ext.P1 Sale Deed, in the year 1992. In the year 2000 the petitioner approached the 3rd respondent seeking steps to relocate an electric line situated in the property, based on an allegation that the line was drawn without consent of the petitioner, at the time when electric connection was provided to the 4th respondent, in the year 1997. Since the 3rd respondent has not taken any action on the request the petitioner, he approached the Chief Vigilance Officer, KSEB. Ext.P5 letter was issued directing the petitioner to submit appropriate application before the Assistant Engineer concerned, seeking shifting of the electric line and the post situated in the property. Thereafter the petitioner submitted Ext.P6 request before the KSE Board as well as before the District Collector. The said application was dealt with by the 1st respondent as if it is a complaint under Section 17(2) of the Indian Telegraph Act. The 3rd respondent submitted that the line in question was drawn as early as in the year 1977, whereas the petitioner had purchased the property only in the year 1992. Therefore it is submitted that the petitioner has to seek shifting of the line through appropriate application and he has to bear the cost if such shifting if possible, as per the existing Rules. Accepting the contentions the 1st respondent disposed of the application through Ext.P7 order rejecting the claim for shifting. It is challenging Ext.P7, this writ petition is filed. 2. It is pertinent to note that, for shifting of an electric line the petitioner has to approach the concerned authority under Section 17(1) of the Indian Telegraph Act read with relevant provisions in the Electricity Act, 2003. If any such application is submitted it is for the competent authority, the 3rd respondent herein, to deal with such application. In the counter affidavit filed on behalf of respondents 2 and 3 it is mentioned as follows;
“5. It is respectfully submitted that a 3 phase line passing through the property. The line can be shifted to the side of the plot subject to the following condition:
1) The petitioner should bear the estimate of cost of shifting the line.
2) While shifting the line, supports of poles (such as Stays, strut post etc) should be within the petitioner's property itself. It cannot place in neighbour's property.
3) Trees, trees branches in the side of the petitioner's plot (to which the line to be shifted) is to be cut and removed while the said shifting.
6. It is submitted that if the petitioner is fully willing to obey the conditions stated supra, there will not be any hindrance to give sanction of the said shifting and executing the shifting.”
3. In view of submission made as above, interest of justice will be achieved by relegating the petitioner to the 3rd respondent for invoking Section 17(1), seeking appropriate remedy.
4. If any application is submitted seeking shifting of the line and the electric post in question to any portion of the property of the petitioner, in a manner causing least inconvenience and hardships to him, the 3rd respondent shall consider such application, if found necessary after issuing notice to any other persons effected. A decision on the application for shifting shall be taken after affording opportunity of personal hearing to the parties concerned. A decision in this regard shall be taken at the earliest possible, at any rate within a period of one month from the date of receipt of such application.
5. Needless to observe that the petitioner will be free to invoke remedy under Section 17(2) if he is in any manner aggrieved by any such decision.
6. The writ petition is disposed of on the basis of the above directions.
Sd/-
C.K. ABDUL REHIM, JUDGE Pn