Why No Action Taken To Remove TV Cables Drawn On Electric Posts Without Following Safety Regulations? Kerala High Court Asks KSEB

Justice Gopinath P. enquired with the KSEB as to why no action has been taken for removing cables drawn on electric posts without following the safety regulations.

Court stated, “The affidavit shall also indicate the steps taken to ensure that the cables drawn through the posts of KSEB are drawn complying with the safety regulations and other statutory provisions and as to why action has not been taken thus far to remove cables that are drawn without complying with the safety regulations.”

The Court has also directed the KSEB to file an affidavit outlining the guidelines and other statutory regulations to be followed by cable operators while drawing cables on electric poles.

The Court passed the above order while considering a writ petition filed by the Cable Operators Association for restraining the KSEB officials from dismantling their cables.

The Cable Operators Association submitted before the Court that the writ petition was filed seeking other reliefs and KSEB may not be directed to ensure safety regulations through this writ petition. The Court orally stated that it has wide powers under Article 226 of the Constitution to act in the public interest to ensure public safety. It noted that cables are being drawn on KSEB electric poles without following any safety guidelines and this can be dangerous to the public. It orally stated that the Court has the power to order the removal of cables drawn on electric poles without following statutory regulations.

Case Number: WP(C) No. 19754 Of 2024

Case Title: Cable Operators Association V State Of Kerala