Disconnecting water supply
Dr. MPS RAMANI Ph.D.[Tech.]
(Querist) 06 February 2018
This query is : Resolved
In an apartments complex in Chennai the Secretary of the association looking after the maintenance disconnected water supply of one of the members. The reason was that he had allegedly left the tap open and wasted water. The member denied the allegation and asked the Secretary to restore water supply. The Secretary asked him to pay a penalty of Rs.1500/-. There is no byelaw or law for that. The member went to the police and complained. After making inquiries the sub-inspector at the police station ordered the Secretary to restore the water supply. The Secretary is still refusing to comply with the order of the sub-inspector. Can a person refuse to disobey the legitimate order of a sub-inspector? If he does so what further can the member do or ask the police to do?
Kishor Mehta
(Expert) 07 February 2018
To disconnect the supply of basic necessities like electricity and water, for whatever reasons, is a criminal offence and punishable under the law. The police can certainly take legal action against the Secretary if the aggrieved person insists.
Kumar Doab
(Expert) 07 February 2018
The Sub-Inspector has probably not issued any written order.
The member may ask the Sub-Inspector to proceed further per inquiry for suitable action ( Banti Karvahi).
Dr. MPS RAMANI Ph.D.[Tech.]
(Querist) 07 February 2018
Is there any section of any law that one can quote? If the police does not go beyond giving oral orders which are ignored, how to proceed further?
Dr J C Vashista
(Expert) 11 February 2018
Police has no authority/power/jurisdiction to intervene and pass orders to restore water supply to the residents.
Move to Registrar Cooperative Societies immediately.
