Meter tampering is a crime.

Myth or fact?

What people often think.

• Myth: A meter case only means a bigger bill.
• Fact: Tampering with a meter is an offence in the PPC. For a domestic consumer: up to 2 years, or a fine up to Rs 1 million, or both (s.462-J).

What counts.

Section 462-J, PPC.

• TamperingA tampered meter, reversing transformer, loop connection or other device.
• ReconnectingReconnecting a meter or line the company cut, without its consent.
• Wrong tariffUsing power from one tariff where a higher tariff applies.

Quick quiz. Who files?

Guess first, then swipe for the answer.

• A. The police, by challan
• B. A company officer, Grade 17 or above
• C. Any neighbour

Answer: B. Section 462-O.

The rule in the law.

“... the Court shall not take cognizance of an offence under this Chapter except on a complaint made, with reasons to be recorded in writing along with full particulars of the offences committed under this Chapter, by duly authorized officer (not below Grade 17) of the Government or the distribution company, as the case may be.”

Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 462-O(2), Cognizance

How much jail?

Sections 462-I, 462-J and 462-K.

• HomeUp to 2 years, or fine up to Rs 1 million, or both (s.462-J).
• Shop or factoryUp to 3 years, or fine up to Rs 6 million, or both (s.462-K).
• Hooking the linesRigorous, up to 3 years, or fine up to Rs 3 million, or both (s.462-I).

Which court?

Sections 462-G and 462-O.

• Utilities CourtA Court of Sessions designated as the Electricity Utilities Court.
• FIRPolice may register and investigate. The court acts on the officer's complaint, not a challan (2024 PCrLJ 722, Peshawar High Court).

The loss too.

Section 462-N, PPC.

• Pay it backAn amount equal to the financial loss caused to the company.
• RecoveryUnpaid amounts are recovered as arrears of land revenue.

Worse: damage.

Section 462-M, PPC.

• Damaging linesDamaging lines, meters or equipment to disrupt supply.
• PunishmentRigorous, up to 7 years, and a fine of at least Rs 3 million.

Facing a case?

Get these ready.

• The complaintIt must give reasons and full particulars (s.462-O(2)).
• Your recordsOld bills, meter photos and every notice from the company.
• AdviceSpeak to a lawyer before you sign anything.

Electricity case?

Ask FAI in your own words. It answers with the exact section and the judgments behind it.

• The electricity company registered an FIR saying my meter was tampered with. What happens next?
• What is the punishment for electricity theft for a shop?

Example questions

Sources

• Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 · Section 462-O(2)
  Cognizance Pakistan Code