In Brief
Shreyans Industries and fellow general category electricity consumers challenged surcharge levies imposed for not converting to 66 KV transmission. The surcharge was introduced via a corrigendum to the 2004-2005 tariff order issued after public hearings concluded, without giving these consumers notice or hearing. The Supreme Court held this violated Section 64(3) of the Electricity Act, 2003 and natural justice principles. It allowed the appeals to the extent of interfering with the 2004-2005 surcharge levy only, as subsequent tariff orders followed proper procedures. Proportionate adjustments were to be made by the respondent authority.
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