Overview
The Supreme Court has issued a notice in a PIL filed by the NGO Energy Watchdog. The petition seeks directions to the Government of NCT of Delhi to constitute a Selection Committee for regularising appointments to the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
Key Developments
- The bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi passed the order after hearing counsel Pranav Sachdeva.
- The petition invokes Sections 84 and 85 of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the assurance given by the Delhi government in 2025 to complete regular appointments "expeditiously".
- The petitioner urges that at least one member of the commission be a person of law, as mandated by the Supreme Court in the 2018 State of Gujarat v. Utility Users' Welfare Association judgment.
- Current composition of DERC is limited to two pro‑tem members, with no Chairperson and no judicial member, contravening the statutory requirements.
- Complaints against DISCOMs under Section 142 of the Electricity Act have not been listed since 15 July 2025, violating consumer rights under Article 14 and Article 21.