Kerala State Electricity Board vs Hitech Electrothermics & Hydropower ...

The Supreme Court, while reviewing its earlier judgment under Article 137 of the Constitution, upheld the dismissal of the respondent's claim for concessional tariff and electricity duty under the Kerala Industrial Policy. The Court reiterated that the respondent was not entitled to benefits as commercial production did not commence before the specified cut-off date of December 31, 1996, despite the delay in electricity supply by the Kerala State Electricity Board. The Court clarified that the Electricity Board's delay did not create an entitlement to the benefits under the policy, reinforcing the principle that compliance with policy timelines is essential for eligibility.