The Punjab and Haryana High Court recently rejected a plea challenging the privatisation of electricity distribution in Chandigarh. The court upheld the government’s decision, reinforcing the move as a step towards improving the city’s power distribution system.
Background:
The plea was filed by a group of residents and consumer rights activists who opposed the privatisation, arguing that it would lead to higher electricity tariffs and reduced service quality. The petitioners claimed that privatisation would disproportionately benefit private entities at the cost of public interest. However, the government contended that privatisation would enhance efficiency, modernise infrastructure, and provide better services.
Court’s Rationale:
In its ruling, the Punjab and Haryana High Court emphasized that privatisation, when carried out properly, can lead to significant improvements in service delivery. The court noted that the decision to privatise electricity distribution was a policy matter within the government’s discretion, and there was no legal ground to interfere with the process. It highlighted that the government’s aim was to modernise the sector and improve consumer experiences.
Existing Measures:
The move to privatise electricity distribution in Chandigarh is part of broader reforms in the power sector, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing losses, and enhancing customer service. Similar reforms have been implemented in other parts of India, with mixed results depending on implementation and regulatory oversight.
Conclusion:
The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s dismissal of the plea signals strong judicial support for the government’s privatisation efforts in Chandigarh’s electricity sector. The ruling underscores the judiciary’s position on respecting government policy decisions, especially when aimed at sectoral reforms intended to improve public services. The case sets a precedent for future challenges to privatisation policies in other sectors.