JAYSHREE CHEMICALS vs ORISSA STATE ELECT. BOARD

The Supreme Court upheld the 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 Clause 31 (e) mandates consumers to pay minimum charges regardless of actual consumption, emphasizing the State Government's authority under Section 22B of the Indian Electricity Act, 1910 to regulate electricity supply. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's order.