Tenant Landlord Electricity Dispute: Can the landlord disconnect the tenant’s electricity? Delhi High Court has recently given a big decision and has given great relief to the people living on rent. The court said that electricity is a fundamental right to life, it cannot be cut off.
Tenant Electricity Rights: If you live in a rented house and have ever felt that the landlord may get angry and turn off your electricity or water, then this news is very important for you. Delhi High Court has made it clear in an important decision that electricity is not a facility but a fundamental right. Even if there is a case going on between the landlord and the tenant, the tenant cannot be kept in the dark. This decision taken on December 15, 2025 has given great relief to thousands of tenants, especially those who have been living in rented houses for a long time and are embroiled in some legal dispute.
What was the whole matter?
In this case, the tenant was living on the third floor of a house in Delhi since 2016. For some time, due to financial problems, he was not able to pay the rent and electricity bills on time. After this the landlord filed a case in the court to recover the outstanding amount of rent, which is still going on. Meanwhile, electricity distribution company BSES Rajdhani disconnected the electricity connection and said that the connection will be available again only when the NOC (No Objection Certificate) of the landlord is brought. The landlord refused to give NOC, not only this, he also stopped the water supply and locked the electricity meter. Although the tenant later paid the entire outstanding electricity bill, the electricity was not reconnected. The tenant was forced to approach the Delhi High Court.
What argument did the tenant give in the court?
On behalf of the tenant, it was said that he has been living in that house legally for the last several years. Even though the electricity meter was in the name of the landlord, he was using the electricity and paying the bill. The outstanding amount of the bill has also been paid, it is completely wrong to keep the electricity cut after this. It is illegal to stop electricity just because NOC is not received.
What did BSES say?
On behalf of BSES Rajdhani, the court was told that the landlord has locked the meter and it is not possible to restore electricity without his consent. Also, the landlord has asked in writing not to connect electricity.
What did Delhi High Court say?
The Delhi High Court said in clear words that electricity is a fundamental part of life and it is linked to the right to life and dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution. The court said that until a final eviction order is issued by a court, the tenant’s possession cannot be considered illegal. In such a situation, the ongoing case between the landlord and the tenant cannot become a basis for stopping basic facilities like electricity. The court also said that no citizen can be put under pressure by taking away essential facilities like electricity.
Why did the tenant win this case?
According to the legal expert, the most important thing in this case was that the tenant had been living in that house legally for a long time and had also paid the electricity dues. The court refused to accept that electricity could be stopped merely because the landlord did not have NOC. The court clearly said that personal disputes cannot be used as a weapon to put pressure on the tenant.
What was the final order of the court?
Delhi High Court ordered BSES Rajdhani to visit the spot on 19 December 2025 and restore the electricity connection. If needed, help of local police can also be taken. The court also made it clear that NOC from the landlord will not be necessary to connect electricity. However, if the tenant does not pay the electricity bill in future, the company will have the right to disconnect the electricity. The court also clarified that this order does not give the tenant ownership rights over the house nor will it affect other ongoing cases.
What to do if this happens to you too?
This decision clearly states that if you are living in a house legally and paying the electricity bill, then no one can deprive you of electricity. Landlord’s anger, NOC or court case, none of these reasons are enough to cut off electricity. If your landlord cuts off your electricity or water, the first thing to do is keep all your bills clear. After this give a written complaint to the electricity company. If the hearing still does not take place, you can file a writ petition in the High Court.