INDIAN ALUMINIUM COMPANY LIMITED AND ANR. vs KARNATTAKA ELECTRICITY BOARD AND ORS.

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Electricity (Supply) (Karnataka Amendment) Act, 1981, which amended Section 49 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948, allowing the Electricity Board to revise tariff rates despite existing agreements. The Court ruled that the amendment did not violate Articles 14 or 19(1)(g) of the Constitution, and the doctrine of promissory estoppel was inapplicable as there was no unilateral promise by the State or Electricity Board. The Court directed the authorities to consider the tariff levy sympathetically, affirming the legislative competence of the State in this matter.