Pune: In a significant step towards alternative dispute resolution, the National Lok Adalat held in Pune recently settled 341 pending electricity bill cases, collectively amounting to ₹1.45 crore. The effort was jointly organized by the District Legal Services Authority in collaboration with officials from Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (Mahavitaran).
Among the major highlights was the recovery of ₹59.27 lakh from two major electricity theft cases registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act. These high-value cases significantly contributed to the overall amount resolved during the session.
The Lok Adalat focused on clearing long-standing civil disputes, particularly those involving unpaid power bills within Mahavitaran’s Pune circle. Out of the total cases resolved, 266 belonged to the Rastapeth division, amounting to ₹65.25 lakh; 42 were from Pune Rural with dues of ₹43.65 lakh; and 33 cases from the Ganeshkhind division accounted for ₹36.67 lakh.
Officials highlighted that this initiative provided a cost-effective and time-saving resolution process for both the consumers and the power utility. Instead of enduring prolonged court proceedings, consumers were able to settle their dues in a simplified and conciliatory environment, avoiding additional legal burdens.
Representing Mahavitaran in the Lok Adalat were In-charge Legal Advisor Dinkar Tidke, along with Legal Officers Neetal Haase, Ganesh Satpute, and Anjali Chougule. They were supported by engineers, accounts officers, and administrative staff, whose combined efforts ensured the success of the drive.
This initiative is part of a broader campaign to reduce legal backlogs and promote quicker settlements in utility-related matters, benefiting both service providers and the public.
