# Meter tampering is a crime.

> Tampering with a meter, reconnecting a cut line or using power on the wrong tariff is an offence in the PPC: up to 2 years or a fine up to Rs 1 million for a domestic consumer (s.462-J), up to 3 years or Rs 6 million for industrial or commercial (s.462-K). The court acts only on a written complaint by a company officer of Grade 17 or above (s.462-O).

- Topic: Criminal law
- For: Citizens
- A 12-slide carousel: https://failegal.site/media/meter-tampering-is-a-crime
- Published by FAI Legal on 2026-10-12

## 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.

- **Tampering** A tampered meter, reversing transformer, loop connection or other device.
- **Reconnecting** Reconnecting a meter or line the company cut, without its consent.
- **Wrong tariff** Using 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))

## How much jail?

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

- **Home** Up to 2 years, or fine up to Rs 1 million, or both (s.462-J).
- **Shop or factory** Up to 3 years, or fine up to Rs 6 million, or both (s.462-K).
- **Hooking the lines** Rigorous, 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 Court** A Court of Sessions designated as the Electricity Utilities Court.
- **FIR** Police 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 back** An amount equal to the financial loss caused to the company.
- **Recovery** Unpaid amounts are recovered as arrears of land revenue.

## Worse: damage.

Section 462-M, PPC.

- **Damaging lines** Damaging lines, meters or equipment to disrupt supply.
- **Punishment** Rigorous, up to 7 years, and a fine of at least Rs 3 million.

## Facing a case?

Get these ready.

- **The complaint** It must give reasons and full particulars (s.462-O(2)).
- **Your records** Old bills, meter photos and every notice from the company.
- **Advice** Speak 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?**

## Sources

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

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Educational legal information, not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak to a qualified lawyer about your situation. Review status: Pending advocate review.

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