Supreme Court Clarifies Jurisdiction of Electricity Regulators in Franchisee Disputes
The Supreme Court ruled that Electricity Regulatory Commissions (ERCs) lack jurisdiction to entertain petitions solely based on public interest under the Electricity Act, 2003. It held that franchisees, as agents of distribution licensees, are not directly regulated by ERCs, and investigations under Section 128 must target licensees, not franchisees. The Court emphasized that ERCs cannot micromanage franchisee agreements, as their regulatory oversight is limited to licensees. The judgment clarified that contractual disputes between licensees and franchisees fall outside ERCs' adjudicatory scope under Section 86(1)(f). The appeal was allowed, setting aside APTEL's order.
Facts Of The Case:
The case involved a dispute between Torrent Power Limited (appellant) and the Uttar Pradesh Elec...
