Citizens For Democracy (CFD), Goa, has petitioned the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking intervention against what it describes as the forced installation of prepaid smart electricity meters by private contractor Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd.
The representation was submitted by Darryl D’Souza of Candolim and Amarnath Gaonkar of Margao on behalf of the civic action group. The petition seeks police protection for consumers and calls for criminal action against personnel allegedly using coercive methods to replace existing electricity meters without the consent of residents.
The issue comes amid ongoing proceedings before the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) in Suo Motu Petition No. 36/2026, in which Citizens For Democracy is an intervening applicant represented by Advocate Elvis Gomes. According to the group, the Electricity Department had previously informed the commission that smart meter installations would not be carried out through force. However, the organisation claims reports from various localities indicate that residents continue to face pressure during installation drives.
In its representation, the group alleged that personnel associated with Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd. have entered residential properties and attempted to replace existing meters, causing distress among residents, particularly senior citizens. The organisation further contended that such actions have the potential to disturb peace in residential neighbourhoods.
Citizens For Democracy has argued that the transition to smart meters is voluntary under Section 47(5) of the Electricity Act, 2003. The group also referred to a statement made by the Union Power Minister in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2026, in response to Question No. 541, where it was stated that smart meter installations are not mandatory and cannot be imposed on consumers.
The representation further states that replacing existing meters without explicit consent from consumers could amount to criminal trespass, intimidation and mischief. It also maintains that approvals granted by housing society office-bearers cannot substitute for the consent of individual consumers, as residents are the registered consumers under the Electricity Act.
“We trust that the Goa Police will stand by law-abiding citizens and prevent private agencies from taking the law into their hands,” the representation states.
The group has requested the DGP to direct police stations across Goa to protect residents from alleged harassment or forced installations by Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd. It has also sought instructions for local police inspectors to register complaints and initiate proceedings against individuals accused of intimidating consumers.
In addition, Citizens For Democracy has urged authorities to hold the management of Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd. accountable for any breach of peace or law-and-order situation arising from the alleged actions of its personnel.
According to the group, the matter has also been placed before the Amicus Curiae appointed by the Goa Human Rights Commission for assessment of potential human rights concerns arising from the issue.
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