Gujarat high court restores power for orphans caught in dispute

Gujarat high court instructed Uttar Gujarat Vij Co Ltd (UGVCL), a power distribution firm, to restore electricity within 48 hours to a bungalow that is home to two orphaned children.

In Dec 2023, the firm cut off power supply to the house at the request of one Kiran Parikh, the registered owner of the connection, who also claims ownership of the property.

This took place even as 15-year-old Janvi Rajput was preparing for her board exams.

The eldest of the two orphans, she lives in the house with her four-year-old sister, Krishna, and until recently, their paternal grandmother, Bhanu.

The grandmother and the sisters moved HC, seeking directions to the firm to restore connection.

On Feb 18, a few days after filing the petition, Bhanu passed away, leaving the children in the care of their maternal uncle. 

HC heard the petition a month later. The firm restored electricity but, by the time , Janvi's exams ended.