Bihar State Electy Board & Ors vs M/S. Bhola Ram Steel Pvt.Ltd & Ors

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision quashing the demand for minimum guarantee charges against M/s. Bhola Ram Steel Pvt. Ltd. for the year 1999-2000, citing that the Electricity Board failed to establish that the connected load exceeded 500 KVA as per the exemption under the Industrial Policy of 1995 and Section 78 of the Electricity Supply Act, 1948. The Court emphasized that the mere increase in consumption does not automatically alter the connected load without proper evidence. The ruling reinforced the principle that economic development should not be hindered by unsubstantiated charges against industrial units.