RERC Extends Appeal Deadline To 60 Days, Grants Final Relief To Consumers In Electricity Theft Cases In Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission (RERC) has issued an important order to provide greater relief and procedural flexibility to electricity consumers facing vigilance investigation cases. The decision, dated April 15, 2026, follows a joint petition submitted by the state’s three major power distribution companies—Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JVVNL), Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (AVVNL), and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd. (JdVVNL).

The petition primarily sought changes to the procedural framework governing the Vigilance Check Report (VCR) Monitoring Committee, which was originally established in December 2020. This committee is responsible for reviewing cases registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003, a provision that deals with electricity theft. Under the earlier rules, individuals identified in first-time offence cases were required to file an appeal within 30 days from the date they received a provisional assessment notice.

During the hearing held on April 7, 2026, the Discoms highlighted several practical challenges associated with this 30-day timeline. They noted that delays in the delivery of notices, the time required to gather necessary documents, and the need to seek legal assistance often made it difficult for consumers to meet the deadline. As a result, many affected parties were unable to present their cases within the stipulated time frame.

To address these concerns, the Discoms proposed extending the appeal filing period from 30 days to 60 days, calculated from the date of issuance of the registered notice. They also requested that consumers with long-pending cases, who had missed the earlier deadline, be granted a one-time opportunity to file their appeals. This would allow such cases to be reviewed by the VCR Assessment Review Committee within 30 days from the publication of the new order.

The Commission, headed by Dr. Rajesh Sharma along with members Hemant Kumar Jain and Vijay Pal Singh, expressed agreement with the proposals. The Commission observed that extending the appeal window would not delay the resolution process but would instead strengthen the principles of natural justice. It also acknowledged that many cases remained unaddressed due to lack of awareness and procedural limitations.

In its final order, the RERC approved both key recommendations. The time limit for filing appeals before the VCR Assessment Review Committee has now been extended to 60 days from the date of issuance of the registered notice. Additionally, a one-time final opportunity has been granted to consumers with pending Section 135 cases who had previously failed to file appeals within the original timeline.

The Commission has directed all three Discoms to implement these changes across their respective jurisdictions with immediate effect. This move is expected to make the dispute resolution process more accessible and transparent, while ensuring that consumers are given a fair opportunity to respond to allegations related to electricity theft.