Md. Maksood Alam v. The State Of Bihar
Case brief
What is this about?
Electricity theft appeal, Patna High Court, Criminal Appeal (SJ) No.168 of 2014, decided 21-01-2026 by Justice Shailendra Singh; appeal allowed, conviction and sentence set aside. Search terms: Section 135(1) Electricity Act; proviso to Section 135(1) adverse presumption; Section 126 Electricity Act assessment; Clause 11.2.3 Bihar Electricity Supply Code 2007; non-examination of Investigating Officer; independent witnesses not associated with search and seizure; Anil Pandey caretaker disclosure; non-production of seized articles (motors, wires, starters); Mahaveer 2025 SCC OnLine SC 2180; Jitendra (2004) 10 SCC 562; charge not framed; Section 311 and Section 313 CrPC; fine Rs. 1,31,33,664; loss Rs. 43,77,888; bail bonds discharged.
What did the court decide?
Conviction under Section 135(1) of the Electricity Act, 2007 and the entire sentence (rigorous imprisonment, fine of Rs. 5,000/- and fine of Rs. 1,31,33,664/-) set aside; appellant and his sureties discharged from the liabilities of their bail bonds.