Islamabad, June 26, 2025: A civil court in Pir Mahal has passed a landmark ruling, declaring that electricity meter installed at home belongs to the property owner, not the electricity supply company. This judgement came after FESCO Sub-City Division’s Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sajid Bashir removed a meter from a private residence, despite a clear court stay order already in place.
Civil Judge and Magistrate First Class Umar Hayat Jawad, while hearing the contempt case, sentenced the SDO to one month in civil prison for ignoring the court’s directives. The order was passed on June 24 and confirmed on June 25. It also instructed the Station House Officer (SHO) of Pir Mahal to arrest the officer and produce him before the court without delay.
In a significant remark, the court noted that once electricity meter is installed on private property, it becomes part of that property and legally belongs to the homeowner. This view contradicts what’s usually believed — that such equipment is owned by the power company.
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Legal experts are calling this decision an important ruling, saying it strengthens consumer rights and places responsibility on utility providers to follow due process. Many people are viewing this verdict as a rare case where a public officer is being held accountable for overstepping legal boundaries.
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The case has triggered public discussion, especially among residents who have long felt powerless in disputes with electricity companies. The court’s strong stance has been widely welcomed.
This ruling may lead to broader reforms in how utility providers operate, especially in actions involving home installations and customer relations.
