¹[44. (1) Whoever- (a) connects any meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus referred to in section 26, with any electric supply-line through which energy is supplied by a licensee, or disconnects the same from any such electric supply-line, without the licensee's consent in writing; or (b) lays, or causes to be laid, or connects up any works for the purpose of communicating with any other works belonging to a licensee, without such licensee's consent in writing; or (c) uses the energy supplied to him by a licensee under one method of charging in a manner for which a higher method of charging is in force without the licensee's consent in writing, or adopts any appliance or increase load beyond sanction load, or use energy supplied to him by a licensee in a manner prejudicial to the safety or efficient working of the licensee's electric supply-line or works, or deals with it in a manner so as to interfere with the efficient supply of energy by the licensee to any other person, shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than one year but which may extend to three years and shall also be liable to fine which may extend to thirty thousand taka. (2) If in case of sub-section (1) it is proved that any artificial means exist or have existed for making such connection as is referred to in clause (a), or such communication as is referred to in clause (b), or for facilitating such improper use of energy as is referred to in clause (c), and that the meter, maximum demand indicator or other measuring apparatus is under the custody or control of the consumer, whether it is his property or not, it shall be presumed, until the contrary is proved, that such connection, communication or improper use, as the case may be, has been knowingly and willfully caused by such consumer. (3) A person who after being convicted under sub-section (1), is convicted for the second or subsequent times, he shall, for every such second or subsequent conviction, be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which shall not be less than three years but which may extend to five years and shall also be liable to a daily fine which may extend to three thousand taka.]