Quick Summary: On December 15, 2025, the Delhi High Court decided that electricity must be turned back on at Maiki Jain's rented place in Shivaji Enclave, even without a permission letter from the landlords. Justice Mini Pushkarna stressed that electricity is a basic right.
Maiki Jain, who has been renting since 2016, faced a power cut at his third-floor home in Shivaji Enclave, New Delhi. The landlords, Anil Kumar Kalra and another person, are in a legal fight with Jain over the property and unpaid rent. Jain, however, says he's paid everything he owes and wants his electricity back on.
On November 28, 2025, BSES Rajdhani Power Limited cut off the electricity because of unpaid bills from September and October. Jain paid the bills the same day, but the power company wouldn't turn the electricity back on without a permission letter from the landlords, who refused to give it.
"Electricity is a basic necessity and an important part of the right to life under Article 21 of the Constitution of India," Justice Pushkarna said.
The court told BSES to turn the electricity back on using the current meter without needing a permission letter. The landlords must help with this, and if they don't, the power company can ask the police for help. The electricity was scheduled to be turned back on December 19, 2025.
Jain must be there when the electricity is turned back on and follow all the rules. If he doesn't pay future bills, the electricity can be cut again. This decision doesn't give Jain any special rights to the property; it only makes sure he has electricity while the legal issues are sorted out.
Justice Mini Pushkarna's decision highlights the importance of having access to electricity as a basic right, making sure Jain has access to essential services while the legal issues continue.
