SUKKUR: The Sindh High Court, Sukkur bench, has issued a landmark ruling restraining the Sukkur Electric Power Company (Sepco) from removing transformers or cutting 11kV power lines of entire neighborhoods over outstanding dues of a few consumers.

The Sindh High Court declared this practice a violation of fundamental human rights.

A two-member bench comprising Justice Amjad Ali Bohio and Justice Ali Haider Ada issued the written order following a hearing on constitutional petitions filed by Shakeel Ahmed Mirani and Junaid Raza against Sepco’s “unjust” practices.

The bench strictly restrained Sepco from removing transformers or cutting transmission lines of entire areas to penalise a specific segment of defaulters.

The court has ordered immediate restoration of power supply to all areas where transformers had been removed, so that “law-abiding citizens who pay their bills are no longer deprived of electricity”.

The court took strict notice of illegal and unscheduled power outages during the ongoing extremely hot weather conditions, ordering Sepco to adhere to the officially notified loadshedding schedule.

Citing Articles 9 and 38 of the Constitution, the court emphasised that access to electricity and a healthy environment are fundamental rights. The bench noted that collective punishment for the default of a few is illegal.

The court expressed its grave concern over reports of some Sepco officials receiving illegal gratification from the public for repair of transformers and issuance of detection bills. The Sepco CEO has been ordered to conduct a comprehensive inquiry in this regard.

The court ordered strict legal and criminal proceedings against any SDO, Xen or other official found involved in illegal activities.

During the proceedings, counsel for the Sukkur Municipal Corporation, Advocate Ali Gul Abbasi, submitted that Sepco’s arbitrary actions had led to the suspension of operations at water supply schemes and pumping stations, causing a water crisis in the city.

Assistant Attorney General Ishfaq Hussain Abro also conceded that Sepco’s current practices were not in accordance with the law.

The court directed the Sepco CEO to submit a detailed report regarding the actions taken against responsible officials by June 24.

The court said it remains firm that energy is a prerequisite for progress and that the public cannot be denied these essential services through high-handed administrative measures.

Published in Dawn, May 22nd, 2026