Theft of Electricity is not only a crime against law but it is also a social evil and encroachment in the rights of honest consumers.
The Govt. of India has amended the Electricity Act 2003 and included hard provisions against theft of electricity. According to the amendment, theft of electricity is now a non-bail able offence having provisions of heavy penalty and imprisonment for upto 3 years. In case, any person commits theft for second time, he can be awarded imprisonment for upto 5 years.
The connection of the erring consumers shall immediately be disconnected on detection of theft and supply will be restored only after payment of the penalty, within 48 hours. The official who detects theft of electricity is now bound to lodge a complaint in writing in Police Station within 24 hours of detection of theft. Payment of penalty will be without prejudice to the obligation to lodge the complaint with the Police.

     In the event of second and subsequent conviction of a person where load abstracted, consumed, use or attempted abstraction or attempted consumption or attempted use exceeds 10 KW, a person shall be debarred from getting any supply of electricity for a period from 3 months to 2 years