The municipality in Madurai has raised an inflated water charge bill, what are my rights under the state water charges rules?

Detailed Legal Analysis

Water charges are governed by Tamil Nadu Rent Control Act 1960 and the tariff is fixed by the state water supply authority or municipal board. The Madras High Court has held that disconnection of water supply for a disputed bill without a hearing violates natural justice.

You can file a written objection before the executive engineer in Madurai within the time specified in the bill. Meter readings must be shared on demand, and a defective meter is replaced at the authority's cost.

Pending dispute, you should pay the undisputed amount to avoid disconnection. The appellate authority under the statute hears appeals against assessment orders.

If the authority acts arbitrarily, a writ petition before the Madras High Court is maintainable for correction of the demand.