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Section 160: Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signalling lines

Electricity Act • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide

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Act 2003
Section 159 All 185 Sections of Electricity Act Section 161

Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 160

Section 160 of the Act mandates the protection of telegraphic, telephonic, and electric signaling lines, prohibiting licensees from laying lines in positions that cause inductive interference or physical injury to telecommunication networks.

  • Statutory Protection Against Telecom Interference: Obligates power utilities to execute electrical installations so as not to cause inductive harmonic disturbance or injury to telecom and signaling lines.
  • Requirement of Prior Written Notice: Mandates not less than twenty-one days' prior notice to telecom authorities before executing high-voltage electrical works in proximity to telecom lines.
  • Financial Compensation for Relocation & Shielding: Requires the licensee to compensate telecom authorities for necessary shielding, rerouting, or protective isolation.
Key Landmark Precedents:
  • Power Grid Corp. of India Ltd. v. Century Textiles & Industries Ltd. (2017) 5 SCC 143: Supreme Court highlighted that telecommunication networks are vital public utilities entitled to statutory protection from high-voltage electromagnetic interference.
  • Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. v. Essar Power Ltd. (2008) 4 SCC 755: Affirmed the statutory dispute resolution framework governing infrastructure coordination.
  • State of W.B. v. Pradip Kumar Roy AIR 1969 SC 1201: Affirmed the mutual statutory obligations of coexisting infrastructure licensees.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:

Serve notice with complete electrical single-line diagrams on the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and fiber infrastructure providers before energizing high-voltage lines, securing a formal No-Objection Certificate under Section 160.

Section 159 All 185 Sections of Electricity Act Section 161