SC Issues Notice on Plea Concerning EV Charging Facilities in Housing Societies

The Supreme Court of India has called for responses from the Union government and the State of Uttar Pradesh in a petition relating to the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging points in residential apartment complexes.

The matter arises from a plea filed by a resident of a group housing project in Greater Noida. The petitioner claims that despite owning an electric vehicle and having an allotted parking space, he was unable to secure approval from his housing society to install a private charging unit. According to the plea, he had offered to bear all associated costs and comply with prescribed safety requirements, but the society allegedly did not grant the necessary permission.

Core Issue Raised
The petition argues that such refusals are not isolated and that residents in several housing complexes face similar obstacles. It states that this situation is inconsistent with the Central government’s policy initiatives promoting electric mobility and clean transportation.

Reference has been made to the government’s updated guidelines on EV charging infrastructure, which permit installation of private charging points in residential settings, subject to technical standards. The plea contends that housing associations should not impose arbitrary restrictions that effectively discourage EV adoption.

Court’s Action
A Bench comprising Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to:

• The Union of India
• The State of Uttar Pradesh
• The concerned residential society
• The entity responsible for property management

The Court has sought their responses and scheduled the case for further consideration.

Why the Case Matters
As India moves toward expanding electric mobility, access to reliable charging infrastructure in residential complexes has become increasingly important. The outcome of this case could clarify whether apartment owners have a protected right to install charging units in their designated parking spaces, and whether housing societies can regulate or deny such requests.

The Court’s eventual ruling may influence housing governance practices across the country and shape the practical implementation of EV policy in urban residential areas.

Discription: The Supreme Court of India has issued notice to the Union government and the State of Uttar Pradesh on a plea concerning the installation of electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in residential housing societies. The petition, filed by a Greater Noida resident, alleges that his housing society refused permission to install a private charging unit in his designated parking space despite his willingness to bear the costs and follow safety norms. The plea argues that such refusals are widespread and undermine the Centre’s policy push for electric mobility and clean transportation. It relies on updated government guidelines permitting private EV chargers in residential complexes, subject to compliance requirements. The Court has sought responses from the authorities and listed the matter for further hearing, a decision that could impact housing regulations nationwide.