Shimla, Nov 19,
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has admitted that he had not reviewed the Himachal Pradesh High Court’s order attaching Himachal Bhawan in New Delhi.
Shimla, Himachal Pradesh: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu says, “I have not read the High Court’s order yet, no one has. However, the upfront premium is governed by a policy, under which, in 2006, when the energy policy was formed, I was the architect and energy minister…… pic.twitter.com/voNpBPngsX
— IANS (@ians_india) November 19, 2024
The attachment was ordered to recover ₹64 crore owed to Seli Hydro Electric Power Company Limited.
Speaking at an event on the Ridge Ground in Shimla to mark the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, the Chief Minister revealed his lack of awareness about the critical court directive. “I have not read the High Court’s order yet; no one has,” Sukhu stated, acknowledging gaps in the flow of crucial legal information.
The High Court had issued the attachment order after the State failed to comply with its January 2023 directive to refund the upfront premium paid by the company, along with 7% annual interest. The delays in payment led the court to order the attachment and auction of Himachal Bhawan to recover the dues.
The Chief Minister explained that the upfront premium is governed by the 2006 energy policy which when was framed, Madam Vidya Stokes was the power minister of the State and under her aegis i (CM Sukhu) was one of the main architects of it. “According to this policy, whether a power project is implemented or not, decisions regarding upfront payment are made through arbitration. The government has already appealed this matter in the High Court,” he said.
The High Court’s attachment order also includes a directive for a fact-finding inquiry to determine the officers responsible for non-compliance. Any interest accrued due to the delays is to be personally recovered from those found culpable, with the inquiry report expected within 15 days.
The Chief Minister’s admission of unawareness regarding the court’s order has drawn attention to possible lapses in administrative communication and decision-making. As the case awaits further hearing on December 6, 2024, Sukhu’s remarks underline the urgent need for better coordination and oversight in handling legal matters that involve significant public assets.
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