Goa, May 9 -- Consumers challenge Goa's claim that smart meters are compulsory, citing Parliament statements, RTI replies and provisions of the Electricity Act; warn of legal recourse

Team Herald

PANJIM/MARGAO: A fresh wave of public criticism has erupted in Goa after Power Minister Sudin Dhavalikar and Electricity Department officials assured Herald Chief Smart Meter Engineer Mayur Hede reiterated on Thursday that the installation of smart electricity meters is "mandatory", triggering an immediate backlash from citizens groups, activists, and sections of consumers who insist the government has no legal or moral authority to enforce such a rollout without consent.

"When the Union Power Minister, on the floor of the Lok Sabha on April 2...