Section 136 of EA 2003, Electricity Act : Section 136: Theft Of Electric Lines And Materials

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where John, a local scrap dealer, is approached by an unknown individual offering to sell a large quantity of copper wire at a significantly reduced price. John, aware that copper wire is often used in electrical infrastructure, suspects that the wire may be stolen. Despite this suspicion, he decides to purchase the wire without asking for any proof of ownership or consent from a legitimate owner.

Later, it is revealed that the wire was indeed stolen from a nearby power utility company's storage facility. The police investigate and find the stolen wire at John's scrapyard. Under Section 136 of The Electricity Act, 2003, John could be charged with possession of electric lines and materials without the consent of the owner, and if found guilty, he could face imprisonment for up to three years, a fine, or both. Furthermore, if it was not his first offence of a similar nature, the punishment could be even more severe.