Meghalaya High Court Affirms: Electricity a Necessity, State Must Ensure Ample Availability
In a recent development, the Meghalaya High Court declared that electricity is no longer a luxury but an essential requirement, placing the responsibility on the government to ensure sufficient availability to its citizens. The observation came during the hearing of a petition highlighting frequent power cuts and arbitrary load-shedding by the State authorities in the case of Flaming B Marak v State of Meghalaya.
The division bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W Diengdoh emphasized that the State must guarantee adequate electricity supply in accordance with the demand, with plans in place to meet future requirements. The respondents revealed that the State's monthly power demand stood at a substantial 200 million units, while the availability was limited to only 88 million units due to the closure of a power plant in Tripura and the absence of an alternative power source.
However, the Court pointed out that the State has the option to procure power from the open grid and establish arrangements with power companies operating in the region. The bench clarified that while the State should ensure sufficient electricity availability, the cost should be borne by the citizens.
During the proceedings, the Court experienced a power interruption, further underscoring the need for the State to address the issue promptly. The bench directed the State and the Meghalaya Energy Corporation to submit independent affidavits outlining immediate, short-term, and long-term measures, demand projections, contingency plans for power plant shutdowns, and potential alternative sources of energy. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for May 30.
Advocate PT Sangma represented the petitioner, while advocates K Khan, AH Kharwanlang, S Shyam, and S Sahay appeared for the respondents. The Court's ruling signifies the significance of uninterrupted electricity supply as a fundamental necessity in the state, placing the onus on the government to ensure its availability. Click Here to: Download/View Related File
TAGS: Meghalaya High Court electricity luxury government responsibility adequate availability Flaming B Marak v State of Meghalaya power cuts load-shedding Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee Justice W Diengdoh demand power plant alternative source open grid citizens' cost power interruption affidavits demand projections contingency plans alternative sources petitioner respondents advocates May 30.
