M/S Modern Steels Ltd. v. P.S.E.B. Etc.

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH CWP-7129-1999 (O&M) Date of Decision : May 07, 2026 M/S MODERN STEELS LTD. AND ORS.

-PETITIONERS V/S PUNJAB STATE ELECTRICITY BOARD AND ANR.

-RESPONDENTS

CORAM:

HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI

Present:

Mr. Atul Lakhanpal, Sr. Advocate, with Mr. Karan Jangra, Advocate for the petitioners.

Ms. Diksha Sharma, Advocate for the respondents.

*** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1.

Through the instant writ petition, the petitioners have laid challenge to the orders/circular annexed as Annexures P-9, P-10 and P-14, whereby service connection charges are sought to be levied retrospectively upon consumers in respect of extension of load sanctioned and availed in the past.

2.

The writ petition was filed as far back as 1999. During the course of proceedings, the respondents filed a reply dated 03.07.2025 stating that the grievance raised by the petitioners can be considered by the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum, in the event the petitioners approach the said Forum. Learned counsel appearing for the respondents, on instructions, has also reiterated this position, stating that, if the petitioners avail the aforesaid remedy, all issues raised in the writ petition shall be DEVINDER YADAV 2026.05.08 09:39 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment

CWP-7129-1999 (O&M) considered and decided by the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum by passing an appropriate order after affording adequate opportunity of hearing to the petitioners. It has further been submitted that no objection with regard to the competence or jurisdiction of the said Forum shall be raised while adjudicating upon the grievance of the petitioners. 3.

In view of the categorical stand taken on behalf of the respondents, this Court considers it appropriate to relegate the petitioners to the Consumer Grievance Redressal Forum concerned. Having regard to the fact that the petitioners have been pursuing the present lis since the year 1999, it is directed that, in the event the petitioners file an appropriate application/petition before the said Forum within a period of one month from today, the latter shall endeavour to decide the same within a period of three months thereafter, after affording due opportunity of hearing to the petitioners. It is further directed that no coercive action shall be taken against the petitioners for a period of four months from today or till the disposal of the proceedings before the Forum, whichever is earlier. 4.

The instant writ petition stands disposed of accordingly. 5.

Pending applications also stand disposed of accordingly. (KULDEEP TIWARI) May 07, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned :

Yes/No Whether Reportable :

Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2026.05.08 09:39 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment