The Division Bench of the Meghalaya High Court, comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh in the case of Flaming B. Marak vs State of Meghalaya & ors has expressed its displeasure regarding shortage of electricity in the State and instructed the State Government to look at small capacity hydel or other forms of electricity generating projects.
The Court was informed by the State that though the demand for power in the State was about 200 mega units per day, the extent of supply was 88 mega units per day.
On the State’s submission, the Court observed that it is completely unacceptable that the quantum of deficit would be in excess of 50 per cent and such a situation cannot be acceptable in this day and age where both business and domestic life almost come to a standstill without the availability of electricity.
Further, the Court ordered the State to file a more comprehensive report indicating the measures taken to obtain additional power from the national grid and other sources that are available to reduce the shortfall and also instructed the State that “on a more long-term basis, the State has to look at small capacity hydel or other forms of electricity generating projects, particularly since the State is endowed with heavy rainfall and enjoys a hilly terrain where small projects may be put up at low cost to cater to the needs of the immediate locality.”
The Court listed the matter on July 25, 2023 for next hearing.
Case Details
Case:- PIL No. 3 of 2023
Petitioner:- Flaming B. Marak
Respondent:- State of Meghalaya & ors
Counsel for the Petitioner - : Mr P.T. Sangma
Counsel for the Respondent – Mrs T. Yangi B
Judge: Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice W. Diengdoh
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