Karnataka High Court issues notice to State over the issue of smart meters 

The High Court of Karnataka on Tuesday ordered issue of notice to the State government and others in three PIL petitions, which have questioned the legality of the decisions of the authorities to make installation of electricity smart meters mandatory for all electricity consumers and acceptance of bid of a particular company to supply smart meters at an exorbitant price.

A division bench comprising acting Chief Justice V. Kameswar Rao and Justice C.M. Joshi passed the order on the separate petitions filed by Karnataka Vidyuth Sene, Bengaluru, Ramachandra R. Anaveri, a journalist, and Jayapala N. and Muniswamy Gowda of Bengaluru.

What Bescom said

During the hearing, advocate of Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Ltd (Bescom) said that it has been made mandatory only for the installation of new meters or for temporary connections, and not for all electricity consumers.

However, advocate of one of the petitioners have contended that the scheme of smart meters were prepared in such a way that it becomes mandatory even for existing customers when they upgrade their connections to a higher level or even renovate their houses and re-install the meters, and other scenarios. The decision regarding electricity installations, other than temporary connections, is contrary to the recommendations of the Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC), it was argued on behalf of the petitioners.

The bench also ordered the issue of notice to KERC and Rajashree Electricals Pvt. Ltd., Davangere, which was awarded with the contract of supplying smart meters to the consumers.

Further hearing has been adjourned till August 19.

Published - June 17, 2025 10:28 pm IST