Section 162. Interference with utilities or works of licensee.

(1) Whoever,–– (a) unauthorized connects any utility or apparatus with any pipe line or feeder canal through which water is supplied by a licensee or disconnects the same from any such pipe line ; (b) unauthorizedly reconnects any utility or apparatus with any pipe line or feeder canal or other works being the property of a licensee when the said line or other works has or have been cut or disconnected ; (c) lays or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee ; or (d) maliciously injures any utility or apparatus belonging to a licensee or wilfully or fraudulently alters the parameters or apparatus or prevents any such utility or apparatus from duly registering the usage of water, shall be liable, on conviction, to punishment with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to rupees ten thousand, or with both, and, in the case of a continuing offence, with a daily fine which may extend to rupees five hundred. (2) If it is proved that any means exist for making such connection as is referred to in clause (a) or such reconnection as is referred to in clause (b), or such communication as is referred to in clause (c) of sub-section (1) or causing such alteration or prevention as is referred in clause (d) thereof, and the utility or apparatus is under the custody or control of the consumer, and, irrespective of whether it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that such connection, re-connection, communication, alteration, prevention or improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and wilfully caused by such consumer.