IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA Cr.Misc. No.17282 of 2010 RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD @ RAVI SHANKAR PRASAD GUPTA SON OF LATE BHARAT PRASAD, RESIDENT OF MAHATMA GANDHI MARG NARKATIGANJ, POLICE STATION SHIKARPUR, DISTRICT WEST CHAMPARAN. Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR ---------- 02. 10.06.2010 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and the State. Petitioner is apprehending his arrest in connection with a case registered for the offence under Section-135 of the Electricity Act, 2003 as after disconnection of electricity for non-payment of electricity dues of Rs.56,188/- he is alleged to have resorted to the illegal fixing of hook for obtaining connection causing loss of Rs.10,000/- to the Electricity Board. It is submitted on behalf of the petitioner that in the light of the provisions contained in Sub-Section-(3) of Section-152 of the Electricity Act, 2003 the consumer or person who committed or who is reasonably suspected of having committed an offence of theft of electricity punishable under this Act has been given option to apply for compounding of the offence by the appropriate Government or an officer empowered in this behalf. It is also submitted that petitioner wishes to get the matter compounded by the authorized officer of the government. Petitioner is at liberty to move the competent authority of the Government for compounding of the offence in the light of the provisions contained in Sub-Section-(3) of Section-152 of the Electricity Act. With the observation and direction aforesaid this application is dismissed. Rajesh/ (V.N.Sinha, J.)