Section 68 — Overhead lines.

68. Overhead lines.–(1) An overhead line shall, with prior approval of the Appropriate Government, 
be installed or kept installed above ground in accordance with the provisions of sub-section (2). 

(2) The provisions contained in sub-section (1) shall not apply– 

(a) in relation to an electric line which has a nominal voltage not exceeding 11 kilovolts and is 
used or intended to be used for supplying to a single consumer; 

(b) in relation to so much of an electric line as is or will be within premises in the occupation or 
control of the person responsible for its installation; or 



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(c) in such other cases, as may be prescribed. 

(3) The Appropriate Government shall, while granting approval under sub-section (1), impose such 
conditions (including conditions as to the ownership and operation of the line) as appear to it to be 
necessary. 

(4) The Appropriate Government may vary or revoke the approval at any time after the end of such 
period as may be stipulated in the approval granted by it. 

 (5) Where any tree standing or lying near an overhead line or where any structure or other object 
which has been placed or has fallen near an overhead line subsequent to the placing of such line, 
interrupts or interferes with, or is likely to interrupt or interfere with, the conveyance or transmission of 
electricity or the accessibility of any works, an Executive Magistrate or authority specified by the 
Appropriate Government may, on the application of the licensee, cause the tree, structure or object to be 
removed or otherwise dealt with as he or it thinks fit. 

(6) When disposing of an application under sub-section (5), an Executive Magistrate or authority 
specified under that sub-section shall, in the case of any tree in existence before the placing of the 
overhead line, award to the person interested in the tree such compensation as he thinks reasonable, and 
such person may recover the same from the licensee. 

Explanation.–For the purposes of this section, the expression “tree” shall be deemed to include any 
shrub, hedge, jungle growth or other plant.