In Brief
A power distribution company charged a factory (HV-2 consumer) at urban tariff rates instead of rural rates and demanded a large arrear amount. The Regulatory Commission ruled in the factory's favour (rural rates), but later a penalty was demanded. An appellate tribunal, while finding the Commission had no jurisdiction over individual billing disputes, nonetheless decided on the merits and upheld the urban tariff claim. The Supreme Court set aside this contradictory decision, holding that a tribunal cannot rule on merits after determining lack of jurisdiction. The deposited amount was released to the appellant with interest.
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