Residents of Balongi near Chandigarh challenged water bills issued after their village was absorbed into municipal corporation limits, disputing which authority may legally collect utility charges.
Households said they received arrears demands from the corporation even though prior payments had been made to panchayat-linked accounts before jurisdictional transfer.
Lawyers for the residents argued that statutory merger dates should determine billing responsibility and that retroactive surcharges lack clear authorization.
Municipal engineers countered that upgraded pipeline maintenance justifies revised tariffs under urban service standards.
A local grievance hearing is scheduled as both sides seek clarity on revenue-sharing between the former village body and the expanded city administration.
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Sources:
https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/balongi-residents-water-bills-inclusion-mc-limits-10737719/