Photo used for indicative purpose only. Source: Internet
HPSEBL survey cost dispute sub judice, Rs 10 lakh deposit made
Shimla, March 26,
A long-running dispute involving survey and investigation costs between Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEBL) and a private company remains pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, with the Board maintaining that no officer or employee can be held responsible while the matter is under judicial consideration.
The issue, flagged in a legislative committee’s action taken report, pertains to the non-recovery of survey and inquiry expenses, which reportedly resulted in financial implications for the Board. The committee had sought clarity on the status of litigation initiated by M/s JPVL and the basis on which accountability had not been fixed.
According to the departmental response, the dispute dates back to December 11, 2014, when M/s JPVL approached the High Court, seeking to restrain HPSEBL from deducting survey and investigation costs from its bills. A subsequent petition filed on December 4, 2015, was clubbed with the earlier case, and both were heard together.
In an important development, the High Court, through an order dated September 6, 2019, appointed retired Justice C.K. Mahajan as an arbitrator to adjudicate the matter. The arbitrator, in his award dated August 6, 2021, dismissed the Board’s claim and imposed a cost of Rs 10 lakh, payable by HPSEBL to the respondent company.
Following the award, the matter was placed before the Board’s management through its legal cell. Acting on legal advice, HPSEBL challenged the arbitral award before the High Court on November 16, 2021. The case was registered as Arbitration Case No. 129 of 2021 and continues to be heard.
The last hearing in the matter took place on September 4, 2024, while the next date of hearing is yet to be notified.
Significantly, in compliance with the arbitrator’s award and subsequent court directions dated June 28, 2022, HPSEBL has deposited the Rs 10 lakh amount with the Registrar of the High Court.
The department, in its reply, emphasized that all relevant documents were submitted before the court within stipulated timelines and no procedural lapse had occurred on the part of the Board. It further maintained that since the case is still sub judice, fixing responsibility on any official would not be appropriate at this stage.
The matter continues to remain under judicial scrutiny, with financial accountability and procedural conduct of the Board likely to be examined in detail once the court delivers its final verdict.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.