Fresh electricity connection cannot be denied for previous owner's arrears absent specific statutory liability.

An auction purchaser seeking a fresh electricity connection cannot be compelled to clear arrears incurred by the previous owner unless a specific statutory provision creates that liability. The Supreme Court treated the request as one for a fresh connection and held that, in the absence of such an express legal basis, the purchaser was not responsible for the earlier outstanding dues. Although a broader reconsideration of the earlier precedent was mentioned as a possibility, the Court found the matter unsuitable for that exercise and confined its ruling to the fresh-connection context.

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Issues: Whether an auction purchaser seeking a fresh electricity connection can be required to clear arrears incurred by the previous owner.

Analysis: The properties had been sold in auction, and the respondents sought fresh connections for supply of electricity. The dispute related to arrears left outstanding by the previous owners. The Court treated the matters as cases of fresh connection and held that, in the absence of a specific statutory provision creating such liability, the auction purchasers could not be compelled to discharge the earlier arrears. The Court noted the argument that a broader reconsideration of the earlier decision might be warranted, but found the present case unsuitable for that exercise.

Conclusion: The auction purchasers were not liable to pay the electricity arrears of the previous owners for fresh connections.

Ratio Decidendi: A purchaser of property who seeks a fresh electricity connection is not liable for arrears owed by the previous owner unless a specific statutory provision imposes that obligation.

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