On 18 May 2026, the Ministry of Power appointed the date 1 June 2026 on which the various amendments made in the Electricity Act, 2003 vide the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 will come into force.
Amendment in the Electricity Act, 2003 that will be enforced starting from 1 June 2026:
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Section 139 relating to “Negligently breaking or damaging works has been revised:
Earlier, the punishment for negligently breaking, injuring, throwing down or damaging any material connected with supply of electricity was punishable with a fine of maximum Rs. 10,000.
Now, the fine can vary from Rs. 5,000 to maximum of Rs. 1 lakh.
The second or subsequent offenders will be punished with a fine not less than Rs. 5,000 which can extend up to Rs. 1 lakh.
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Section 140 relating to “Penalty for intentionally injuring works” has been revised:
Earlier, the fine that can be imposed for intentionally cutting off the supply of electricity, attempting to or cutting or injuring any electric supply line or works was punished with a fine of Rs. 10,000.
Now, the fine can vary from Rs. 5,000 to maximum of Rs. 1 lakh.
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The provision relating to “Extinguishing public lamps” under Section 141 has been omitted.
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The revised provision relating to “Penalty by Appropriate Commission for non-compliance of order or direction” under Section 142 now says:
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If someone files a complaint, or the Commission itself finds that a person has broken the law, rules, regulations, or any order under this Act, the Commission can take action.
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The Commission can order a penalty, for each violation:
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Minimum: Rs. 10,000;
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Maximum: Rs. 5,00,000.
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In case of second or subsequent offenders, an extra daily penalty can be imposed until the violation stops:
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Minimum: Rs. 1,000 per day;
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Maximum: Rs. 10,000 per day.
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The revised provision relating to “Punishment for non-compliance of orders or directions” under Section 146 now says:
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If a person does not follow an order or direction under this Act within the given time, or breaks or tries to break, or helps someone break the Act, rules, or regulations, they can be punished with a fine for each offence:
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Minimum: Rs. 10,000;
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Maximum: Rs. 10,00,000
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If the failure continues even after conviction, an additional daily fine can be imposed:
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Minimum: Rs. 1,000 per day;
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Maximum: Rs. 50,000 per day.
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Exception: This Section does not apply to orders/ directions issued under Section 121 relating to “Power of Appellate Tribunal”.
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Section 152 relating to “Compounding of Offences” has also been revised, which lays down the Section and rate at which the sum of money for compounding will be collected.
[Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Amendments to Electricity Act, 2003 notified, dt. 18 May 2026]
Read more:
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Decriminalization & Penalty Reforms
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 Provisions Effective from 15 May 2026
