72 27-10-2025 AKG Ct. 15 WPA 22427 of 2025 Subhandu Soren Vs. The State of West Bengal & Ors. Mr. Soumik Ghosh, Mr. Pradip Saren, Ms. Saheli Hembram …for the Petitioner Mr. Susanta Pal, Ms. Ratna Das …for the State Mr. Mainak Ganguly, Mr. Siddharth Shroff …for Respondent Nos. 10 & 11 By filing this writ petition, the petitioner, inter alia, seeks compensation for drawing of high-tension electric lines over his land. It appears that Respondent Nos. 10 and 11 approached this Court by filing WPA No. 29463 of 2024, alleging that they were not permitted to install towers necessary for obtaining an electricity connection for their steel plant. The said writ petition was disposed of by this Court with the following directions: “I am of the opinion that no valid objection can be raised against the drawal of any high-tension line. Pursuant to Section 164 of the Electricity Act, 2003, the licensee company is granted with the powers of the Telegraph Authority conferred under the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, to undertake such activities. The legal position regarding the drawal of high- tension electricity lines has also been clarified by the Hon’ble Supreme Court in the judgment cited by Mr. Kar reported at (2017) 5 SCC 143 (Power Grid Corporation of India Limited v. Century Textiles and Industries Limited). There can be no objection from any person 2 regarding the drawal of the high-tension line, when no one’s land is being 2 acquired or utilized. One may be entitled to compensation if the installation of such a high-tension line causes any damage to his property. In the circumstances of this case, I hereby direct the District Magistrate, Purulia, and the Superintendent of Police, Purulia, to provide all necessary assistance and protection to the petitioners in the construction of towers nos. 4 and 5 and for the drawal of the high-tension line for the purpose of effecting the electricity connection through the said towers. The cost of police assistance shall be borne by the petitioners. With these directions, W.P.A 29463 of 2024 is disposed of.” Learned counsel appearing on behalf of Respondent Nos. 10 and 11 submits that the requisite number of towers have now been installed with assistance from the local administration. The process of laying the overhead cables is currently underway. The issue regarding compensation was also addressed by this Court while disposing of the writ petition on June 9, 2025. The petitioner’s right to claim compensation arises only if the installation of the high-tension lines causes damage to his property. Should the petitioner consider himself entitled to compensation for the installation of the electricity lines at the steel plant of Respondent Nos. 10 and 11, he will be at liberty to approach the appropriate authority in accordance with law. Accordingly, WPA 22427 of 2025 stands disposed of. Urgent certified website copies of this order, if 3 applied for, be made available to the parties upon compliance with the requisite formalities. (Kausik Chanda, J.)