MARGAO
Civic action group Citizens For Democracy (CFD) Goa has petitioned the Director General of Police (DGP) seeking intervention against the alleged forced installation of prepaid smart electricity meters by private vendor Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd.
The representation, submitted by Darryl D’Souza and Amarnath Gaonkar on behalf of the group, seeks police protection for residents and criminal action against personnel allegedly using coercive methods to replace existing meters without consumer consent.
The issue is already before the Goa Human Rights Commission (GHRC) through a suo motu petition, in which CFD is an intervening applicant represented by Adv. Elvis Gomes. The group claims that despite assurances made before the GHRC that no forced installations would take place, reports indicate that personnel from Digi Smart Pvt. Ltd. continue to enter residential premises and pressure residents, causing distress, especially among senior citizens.
CFD contends that smart meter installation is voluntary under the Electricity Act, 2003 and cites a statement made by the Union Power Minister in the Lok Sabha on April 2, 2026, that smart meters cannot be forced on consumers.
The group has urged the DGP to direct police stations to protect residents, register complaints against those using intimidation, and hold the company accountable for any breach of peace arising from its actions. The matter has also been placed before the GHRC-appointed Amicus Curiae.
