Overview

• Barq complied on June 17 with the court’s directive to deposit ₹6 lakh as an interim measure, prompting the electricity department to begin reconnecting his residence
• The case originated from a December 17 smart meter installation and a December 19 load inspection that flagged consumption beyond the sanctioned 16-kilowatt limit
• Uttar Pradesh electricity officials imposed a ₹1.91 crore fine after meter readings reportedly showed zero usage for months, triggering a formal theft case
• Barq has maintained that he was not given adequate opportunity to present his side of the story before the department’s actions
• The Allahabad High Court will reconvene on July 2 to review the legality of the penalty and other issues in the ongoing electricity theft proceedings