RERC Extends Appeal Deadline To 60 Days, Grants One-Time Relief For Pending Electricity Theft Cases In Rajasthan

The Rajasthan Electricity Regulatory Commission in Jaipur has issued a new order to reduce procedural difficulties for consumers accused of electricity theft. The decision, dated April 15, 2026, came in response to Petition No. RERC/2398/2026 filed by three state power distribution companies—Jaipur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd., Ajmer Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd., and Jodhpur Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd.

The petition focused on revising an earlier order issued in December 2020, which had set up a Vigilance Check Report monitoring committee. This committee reviews cases of electricity theft registered under Section 135 of the Electricity Act, 2003. As per the earlier rules, individuals accused of a first-time offence were given only 30 days from the date of receiving a provisional assessment notice to file an appeal against the vigilance findings.

The Discoms informed the Commission that this 30-day period was often not enough for many consumers. They explained that delays in receiving official notices, the time needed to collect supporting documents, and the process of arranging legal help made it difficult for people to file appeals within the given deadline. Because of these challenges, many consumers were unable to present their cases on time. The Discoms requested that the appeal period be extended to 60 days so that consumers could get a fair chance to respond.

After hearing the matter on April 7, 2026, the Commission agreed with the concerns raised. The bench, led by Chairman Dr. Rajesh Sharma along with members Hemant Kumar Jain and Vijay Pal Singh, observed that increasing the time limit would not delay case disposal significantly. Instead, it would support the principles of fairness and natural justice. Based on this, the Commission approved the proposal to extend the appeal filing period from 30 days to 60 days from the date of issuance of the registered notice.

The order also addressed the issue of pending cases where consumers had already missed the earlier deadline. The Discoms requested that such individuals be given one final opportunity to file their appeals. The Commission accepted this request, noting that many people might have missed the deadline due to a lack of awareness or genuine difficulties.

As part of the new decision, a one-time relaxation has been introduced. Consumers or non-consumers with pending cases under Section 135 can now file an appeal before the Vigilance Check Report Assessment Review Committee within 30 days from the date of publication of this order.

The Commission has directed all three Discoms to implement these changes immediately across their areas. The move is expected to make the process more consumer-friendly and ensure that people have a fair opportunity to present their side. By easing timelines and allowing a final chance for pending cases, the Commission aims to balance enforcement with fairness in handling electricity theft matters.