BESCOM to cut power to illegal constructions, backing BBMP crackdown

In a significant move to curb unauthorised constructions in the city, the Bangalore Electricity Supply Company (Bescom) has issued a circular directing its chief and superintendent engineers to disconnect electricity supply to such illegal establishments.

This directive supports the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike’s (BBMP) ongoing efforts to enforce building compliance across Bengaluru. The circular, dated April 5, was issued following a letter from the BBMP Managing Director dated January 1, 2025. The letter referred to a Supreme Court order from December 17, 2024, mandating strict action against unauthorised constructions in urban areas. Bescom has now been instructed to verify the ‘A Khata’ certificate and sanctioned building plans for any property under construction or yet to be built before providing temporary electricity connections.

In addition, any building that has received a notice under Section 248(3) of the BBMP Act, 2020 will face immediate disconnection of power supply. Before granting permanent electricity connections, Bescom must also ensure that the building has received an occupancy or completion certificate. To streamline this process, BBMP will provide a dedicated console within its online building map sanction software, allowing Bescom officials to verify the legitimacy of submitted documents. The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC) has also directed all ESCOMs to comply with the Supreme Court’s order, making this a unified legal enforcement. This coordinated effort is expected to significantly strengthen Bengaluru’s response to illegal constructions and promote regulatory accountability.