Courts On Its Own Motion v. U.T. Chandigarh

2023:PHHC:106193-DB

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT

CHANDIGARH CWP-PIL-26-2022 (O&M) Date of decision:- 17.08.2023 Court on its own motion

...Petitioner(s)

Versus

U.T., Chandigarh through its Advisor to Administrator, U.T., Chandigarh and another

...Respondent(s)

CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE RAVI SHANKER JHA, CHIEF JUSTICE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE ARUN PALLI

Present:

Mr. Arjun Partap Atma Ram, Advocate (amicus-curiae). Mr. Chetan Mittal, Senior Advocate, with Mr. Kunal Mulwani, Advocate (amicus-curiae). Mr. Anil Mehta, Senior Standing Counsel, with Mr. Rohit Kaushik, Advocate, for the Union Territory, Chandigarh.

Mr. Satya Pal Jain, Additional Solicitor General of India, with Mr. Dheeraj Jain, Advocate, for the Union of India.

* * * * RAVI SHANKER JHA, C.J. (ORAL) Though as per previous orders passed by this Court, the documents as required to be filed by the Union Territory, Chandigarh have not been filed and the objections raised by the petitioner in CWP-PIL-25-2022 still remain to be considered and decided by the Union Territory, Chandigarh, however, looking to the fact that the matter was taken up suo-motu by this Court, whereafter CWP-PIL-25-2022 was filed as public interest litigation and that a contingency plan has been prepared by the authorities for the purposes of ensuring uninterrupted electricity supply to the citizens in case of similar contingencies that required this Court to take suo-motu action, we do not deem it appropriate to delve into the issue any further.

However, the suggestions and objections raised by the petitioner in CWP-PIL-25-2022 need to be considered by the Union Territory, Chandigarh while finalizing its contingency plan. Learned senior standing counsel, appearing for the Union Territory, Chandigarh, submits that all the objections and suggestions raised by the petitioner would be considered by the authorities. He further submits that the authorities would also, if so required, grant an opportunity of personal hearing to the petitioner and thereafter would consider and finalize the AMODH SHARMA 2023.08.18 14:58 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement contingency plan.

CWP-PIL-26-2022 (O&M) 2023:PHHC: 106193-DB -2In view of the aforesaid statement made by learned senior standing counsel for the Union Territory, Chandigarh, the writ petition stands disposed of in terms thereof.

(RAVI SHANKER JHA) CHIEF JUSTICE (ARUN PALLI) JUDGE 17.08.2023 Amodh Sharma Whether speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether reportable Yes/No AMODH SHARMA 2023.08.18 14:58 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgement