The Electricity Act, 2003
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PART XVII
OTHER PROVISIONS
Protective Clauses
Section 159. (Protection of railways, highways, airports and canals, docks,
wharfs and piers):
No person shall, in the generation, transmission, distribution, supply or
use of electricity, in any way injure any railway, highway, airports, tramway,
canal or water-way or any dock, wharf or pier vested in or controlled by a local
authority, or obstruct or interfere with the traffic on any railway, airway,
tramway, canal or water-way.
Section 160. (Protection of telegraphic, telephonic and electric signalling lines):
--- (1) Every person generating, transmitting, distributing, supplying or using
electricity (hereinafter in this section referred to as the "operator") shall take all
reasonable precautions in constructing, laying down and placing his electric
lines, electrical plant and other works and in working his system, so as not
injuriously to affect, whether by induction or otherwise, the working of any wire
or line used for the purpose of telegraphic, telephone or electric signalling
communication, or the currents in such wire or line.
(2) Where any difference or dispute arises between the operator, and the
telegraph authority as to whether the operator has constructed, laid down or
placed his electric lines, electrical plant or other works, or worked his system, in
contravention of sub-section (1), or as to whether the working of any wire, line or
current is or is not injuriously affected thereby, the matter shall be referred to the
Central Government and the Central Government, unless it is of opinion that the
wire or line has been placed in unreasonable proximity to the electric lines,
electrical plant or works of the operator after the construction of such lines, plant
or works, may direct the operator to make such alterations in, or additions to, his
system as may be necessary in order to comply with the provisions of this
section, and the operator shall make such alterations or additions accordingly:
Provided that nothing in this sub-section shall apply to the repair, renewal
or amendment of any electric line or electrical plant so long as the course of the
electric line or electrical plant and the amount and nature of the electricity
transmitted thereby are not altered.
(3) Where the operator makes default in complying with the requirements of
this section, he shall make full compensation for any loss or damage incurred by