KARACHI: The Constitutional Bench of the Sindh High Court (SHC) has issued notices to K-Electric (KE) and other relevant parties in response to a petition filed by a chemical factory owner challenging an inflated electricity bill exceeding Rs. 500,000.
Case Proceedings
The two-member Constitutional Bench, headed by Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed, heard the petition against the power utility’s billing practices. The counsel representing Punjab Chemical Factory, located in North Nazimabad, informed the court that his client was suddenly served a bill for over Rs. 5 lakh based on allegations of electricity theft.
The Petitioner’s Stance
The lawyer argued that K-Electric failed to prove the theft charges before the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA). According to the petitioner, NEPRA had previously directed K-Electric to issue the bill based on actual units consumed, yet the utility company continues to demand the inflated amount along with heavy penalties. The petitioner requested the court to restrain K-Electric from collecting the illegal charges.
Court’s Remarks and Deadline
Justice Yousuf Ali Sayeed remarked that the court would proceed and decide the matter in accordance with the law after hearing all parties involved. The court has formally issued notices to K-Electric and other respondents, seeking their detailed replies by May 20.
