Jayshree Chemicals & Anr vs Orissa State Electricity Board & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's dismissal of a writ petition challenging the liability to pay minimum charges to the Orissa State Electricity Board under the State Electricity Board (General Conditions of Supply) Regulations of 1981, framed under Section 79 (j) & (k) and Section 49A of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948. The Court clarified that the State Government has the authority under Section 22B of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 to regulate electricity supply and consumption, especially during periods of power shortages. The Court affirmed that consumers must pay minimum charges even if no electricity is consumed due to disconnection or restrictions imposed by the State Government.