Allahabad High Court seeks report on electricity supply in UP

, Sept 25: The Lucknow bench of Allahabad High Court today sought a report from

State Electricity Regulatory Commission regarding electricity supply to districts in Uttar Pradesh.

The order was passed by the bench of acting Chief Justice Amitava Lala and Justice Anil Kumar on a PIL filed by Hindu Personal Law Board challenging 24 hours power supply in six districts, including Rae Bareli, Amethi and Etawah.

The petitioner, counsel Ashok Pandey submitted that uninterrupted power supply in Rae Bareli, Amethi, Etawah, Rampur and Kannauj was against the right of equality provided in the constitution.

The petitioner sought the direction from the court for 24 hours power supply to all religious places in the state and submitted that the image of UP was being maligned due to lack of power.

On behalf of the state government and UP Power Corporation Limited, the petition was opposed saying that the role of SERC was also significant which should be looked into.

The court also felt that the response of the SERC may also be called upon. Accordingly, the court permitted the petitioner to make SERC a respondent in the petition during the course of the day and directed that thereafter notice should be issued to the commission. The matter would be taken up for hearing on the date of next sitting of the acting CJ.

PTI