The Madhya Pradesh High Court held that advocates operating offices from their residences cannot be charged commercial electricity tariffs, observing that the legal profession differs fundamentally from trade or business activities since legal practice does not involve buying, selling or commercial trading of goods or services.
The Calcutta High Court ruled that denial of electricity based on lack of ownership documents violates access to basic services. The case involved Krishnawathi, whose application was rejected under Clause 5.30 of JERC Regulation. Justice Rao emphasized that essential services shouldn’t be denied to lawful occupants, even encroachers, highlighting prior court decisions supporting this view.