STATE OF GUJARAT vs UTILITY USERS WELFARE ASSOCIATION THROUGH ITS PRESIDENT

The Supreme Court addressed the interpretation of the term 'may' in the Electricity Act, 2003, specifically regarding the appointment of Chairpersons for State and Central Regulatory Commissions. The Court held that the use of 'may' does not impose a mandatory requirement for a Judge to preside over these Commissions, thereby affirming the Madras High Court's view and distinguishing it from the Gujarat High Court's conflicting opinion. The judgment clarifies that the appointment can be made from a broader pool of candidates, not limited to judicial figures.