{
  "id": 6615155,
  "title": "CPI(M)-Led Protest Over Smart Meters, High Power Bills Blocks Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway In Palghar",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/10/cpi-m-led-protest-over-smart-meters-high-power-bills-blocks-mumbai",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-10T17:32:30.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Press Journal",
    "slug": "free-press-journal",
    "url": "https://www.freepressjournal.in/mumbai/cpim-led-protest-over-smart-meters-high-power-bills-blocks-mumbai-ahmedabad-highway-in-palghar"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Palghar, Maharashtra witnessed a massive protest by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) led individuals over smart electricity meters and complaints of unusually high power bills on Thursday. This blockade caused significant traffic disruptions on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway at Charoti Naka in Dahanu. Organizers reported that over 35,000 people took part in the agitation, voicing concerns over the forced installation of smart meters, steep increases in electricity bills, and the perceived insensitivity of electricity distribution officials in handling consumer grievances. Several organizations from Thane and Palghar districts joined the demonstration, including the All India Kisan Sabha, Centre of Indian Trade Unions, All India Democratic Women’s Association, Democratic Youth Federation of India, and Students’ Federation of India. Despite heavy rainfall, protesters maintained their stance and blocked the highway for nearly three hours. A substantial police force was present at Charoti to ensure law and order and manage traffic in the area. Addressing the protesters' concerns, CPI(M) leaders urged authorities to address inflated electricity bills and reconsider the installation of smart meters, which they claimed negatively impacted ordinary consumers. The protest was ultimately called off after electricity distribution officials pledged to conduct a 15-day special investigation into complaints at electricity offices across the district from September 11, aiming to rectify any issues identified.",
  "summary": "Palghar, Maharashtra: A large protest led by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] over the installation of smart electricity meters and complaints of unusually high power bills brought traffic on the Mumbai-Ahmedabad National Highway to a standstill at Charoti Naka in Dahanu on Thursday. CPI(M) leads highway protest According to the organisers, more than 35,000 people participated in…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}