M/S. NORTHERN INDIA IRON & STEEL CO ETC. A vs STATE OF HARYANA & ANR

The Supreme Court held that under Section 49 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, a consumer is entitled to a proportionate reduction in demand charges when the Electricity Board fails to supply the contracted amount due to power cuts, as this constitutes a circumstance beyond the consumer's control. The Court clarified that the obligation to provide notice for a shutdown does not apply in such cases. The appeal was allowed in part, affirming the consumer's right to a reduction in demand charges under the specified circumstances.