Smart Meter Scam: BJP actively pursuing legal action against K J George

Smart meter scam: The smart meter scam allegations against Karnataka Energy Minister K.J. George continue to be a prominent political issue, with the BJP actively pursuing legal action. Smart meter scam: BJP actively pursuing legal action against K J George.

BJP MLAs, including Dr. C.N. Ashwath Narayan, S.R. Vishwanath, and Dheeraj Muniraj, have filed a private complaint in the Special Court for Public Representatives against K.J. George and BESCOM officials. They allege a massive Rs 15,000 crore (or Rs 16,000 crore in some reports) scam in the smart meter procurement tender.

The BJP had also previously filed a complaint with the Karnataka Lokayukta against George and others regarding the alleged irregularities. Complaints have also been submitted to the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and the Principal Accountant General, seeking an investigation.

The BJP has announced plans for a public awareness and online signature campaign to highlight what they term as “daylight robbery” by the government.

Key Allegations by BJP:

Inflated Costs: The core of the accusation is that smart meters are being procured at significantly higher prices in Karnataka (allegedly Rs 9,200 to Rs 17,000 per meter) compared to other states (where they cost around Rs 7,000-Rs 8,000, and in some cases, Rs 900 with central government subsidies).

Violation of Norms: The BJP claims that the tender process violated various legal provisions, including the Karnataka Transparency in Public Procurement (KTPP) Act and Central Electricity Authority (CEA) guidelines.

They allege that the contract was awarded to M/s Rajashree Electricals Private Limited, which they describe as a “shell company” and has been blacklisted in Uttar Pradesh (though George clarifies the debarment period is over). They also question why a company without prior smart meter experience was chosen.

Mandatory Installation: The BJP asserts that smart meters are being made compulsory for consumers despite KERC regulations making them optional for existing connections. They argue that this places an undue financial burden on consumers.

Minister K.J. George’s Defense:

Denial of Scam: K.J. George has vehemently denied all allegations, stating there is “neither ‘kick’ nor ‘back'” in the smart meter issue.

Cost Justification: He maintains that the cost of each meter is fixed at Rs 4,998 and no extra charges would be levied on consumers for the meter itself. He attributes price disparities to “different pricing models” and explains that Karnataka did not avail the central government’s Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) subsidy due to pending dues, which impacts the overall cost structure.

Transparency: George insists that all procedures have been followed as per the KTPP Act and that the process was “scientific and with full transparency.”

Optional for Existing Consumers: BESCOM has clarified to the Karnataka High Court that smart meter installation is applicable only to new houses and not existing electricity connections, countering the BJP’s claim of compulsory installation for all.

Political Motivation: George has labelled the allegations as “politically motivated” and a continuation of BJP’s pattern of making baseless accusations.

Current Status of the Case:

The Special Court for Public Representatives has received the private complaint against K.J. George and others. The hearing on this complaint was scheduled for today, July 17, 2025.

The High Court has also heard a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) on the same issue and has issued notices to the state government, KERC, and BESCOM, adjourning the hearing.

The smart meter controversy remains a heated point of contention between the ruling Congress and the opposition BJP in Karnataka, with legal proceedings actively underway.

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