Supreme Court of India
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD.versusESSAR POWER LIMITED
- Citation
- 2016 INSC 587
- Decided
- 9 August 2016
- Disposal
- Appeal(s) allowed
- Bench
- ANIL R DAVE
Holding
The PPA obliges the generating company to declare the entire plant’s capacity weekly and allocate electricity between the parties in the agreed 58 % : 42 % ratio, rendering the Tribunal’s finding of no such obligation erroneous.
Summary
Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. (GUVNL) appealed against the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity’s order that Essar Power Ltd. (EPL) had no contractual duty to declare its generating capacity on a 300 MW : 215 MW (58 % : 42 %) basis. The Supreme Court examined the Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) and held that the agreement expressly allocated the plant’s total capacity between GUVNL and Essar Steel Ltd. in that proportion and required EPL to submit weekly schedules of the whole plant’s available capacity, on the basis of which dispatch instructions would be issued. Consequently, EPL could not divert power to its sister concern beyond the allocated share. The Court also rejected the Tribunal’s reliance on alleged defaults by GUVNL and affirmed the Commission’s finding that compensation for the diverted power must be worked out separately. The appeal was allowed, the Tribunal’s order set aside, and the Commission’s decision restored with directions for further proceedings.
Issues considered
- The interpretation of the PPA whether EPL is obligated to declare available power in the 300 MW : 215 MW (58 % : 42 %) proportion.
- The effect of EPL’s letters dated 17 Feb 2000, 4 Mar 2000 and 4 Oct 2001 on the parties’ rights and obligations.
- The proper construction of Schedule VI of the PPA regarding weekly capacity declaration and issuance of dispatch instructions.
- The entitlement of GUVNL to compensation for alleged diversion of power and the quantum of such compensation.
- The constitutionality and procedural aspects of tribunal composition and direct appeals to the Supreme Court (broader statutory framework).
Legislation cited
- CERC (Terms and Conditions of Determination of Tariff) Regulations, 2004
- Electricity Act, 2003s. 113(3), s. 113(b)(i)-(iii), s. 125, s. 78, s. 84, s. 85, s. 86(i)(t)
- Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948
- Income Tax Act, 1961
- Indian Contract Act, 1872s. 73
- Sale of Goods Act, 1920s. 35
Subjects
Power Purchase AgreementCapacity AllocationProportionate PrincipleElectricity ActTribunalAppellate JurisdictionCompensationContract InterpretationSchedule VIDispatch InstructionsTribunal Composition
Judgment
[2016) 5 S.C.R. IOI
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. A
v.
ESSAR POWER LIMITED
(Civil Appeal No. 3455 of20 I 0)
AUGUST 09, 2016 B
[ANIL R. DAVE AND ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, JJ.)
'
Electricity Act, 2003:
Power Purchase Agreement between appellant-licencee and c
respondent-generating company - Interpretation of to determine
whether there is obligation to declare availability of power in a
particular proportion - Held: Jn terms of the agreement, entire
capacity has been allocated in two parts in ratio of 300:215 -
Respondent generating company is under obligation as per Schedule
VJ to PPA to declare weekly schedule of capacity available and that D
it shall not divert any power to its sister concern in a manner contrary
to the proportionate principle - Commission was thus right in
holding that once the entire capacity is allocated in two parts in a
particular proportion, generating company is not right in selling
power to its sister concern beyond the allocated capacity - As E
regards the compensation sought by appellant for wrongful
a/location of electricity by respondent generating company to its
sister concern in preference to the appel/ant-licencee, the
Commission had left actual working out of the loss to be worked
out separately and on that basis the appellant had already filed its
claim which was pending consideration before the Commission - F
The said proceeding can now be revived.
Tribunals: Constitution of Tribunals - Questions relating to
manner of appointment of members of Tribunal and duration of
appointment; desirability of providing statutory appeals directly to
Supreme Court from orders of Tribunals on issues not affecting G
national and public interest and other aspects of statutory framework
in respect of Tribunals and related questions referred to Law
Commission for examination.
H
101
io2 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A Allowing the appeal and passing certain directions, the Court
HELD: 1. The agreement clearly contemplates the proportion
of allocation of a capacity. The EPL has to fuel and operate the
generating station to meet the requirement of electric output that
can be generated corresponding to the allocated capacity. The
B . appellant has to pay annual fixed cost as determined in terms of
clause 7.1.1 of Schedule VII of the Agreement. The Commission is
thus, right in observing that once the entire capacity has been allocated
in two parts in a particular proportion, the contention of the EPL
that it could sell power to ESL beyond the allocated capacity could
not be accepted. The EPL was under obligation as per Schedule VI to
c declare weekly schedule of the capacity available and the dispatch
instructions were to be issued on the basis of the said declaration. It
could not thus be said that the EPL had no obligation to declare the
capacity and the obligation ofGUVNL to issue dispatch instructions
was not dependent on declaration of the available capacity by the
D EPL. Contrary view of the Tribunal is clearly erroneous. The Tribunal
erred in holding that there was no obligation to declare available
capacity on proportionate basis. [Para 22) (129-C-EJ
2. The main basis of the order of the Tribunal in rejecting the
claim of the appellant is the finding that the respondent had no
E obligation to allocate available power in the ratio of 58 : 42 under the
terms of the Agreement and in terms of correspondence between
the parties. Apart from this, the Tribunal held that the appellant
had claimed Rs.64 crores by way of full and final settlement and that
the appellant was in default in not opening letter of credit and not
paying Rs.519 crores. In doing so, the Tribunal ignored clear
F stipulation in the letter of the appellant dated 131h December, 2004
that the amount of Rs.64 crores was not accepted by way of final
settlement. Similarly, the Tribunal ignored the supplementary
agreement between the parties dated l81h December, 2003 followed
by letter dated 19'h December, 2003 under which amount ofRs.289.40
G crores was paid to-the respondent by way of settlement for the delayed
payment charges and other heads. Thus, the Tribunal was not justified
in observing that the appellant had defaulted in making payment of
Rs.519 crores which was a breach of promise on the part of the
appellant, thereby absolving the respondent ofits obligation to supply
power as per the agreement. [Para 26) (131-A-D)
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 103
LIMITED
Composition and functioning ofTribunal and statutory framework thereof A
especially its impact 011 worki11g o(tfle Supreme Court am/ i11 turn on
the rule of/aw.
3.1. It is well known thai in the wake of 42"d Amendment to
the Constitution of India, incorporating Article 323A and 323B of the
Constitution under Part XIVA, various Tribunals have been set up. B
The Tribunals constitute alternative institutional mechanism for
dispute resolution. The declared objective of such Tribunals is inability
of the existing system of courts to cope up with the volume of work.
[Para 30)[132-C]
3.2. The composition of Tribunals under the Electricity Act or c
other corresponding statutes needs to be reviewed. Appeals to this
Court on question of law or substantial question of law show that
Tribunals deal with such questions or substantial questions. Direct
appeals to this Court has the result of denial of access to the High
Court. Such Tribunals thus become substitute for High Courts
D
without manner of appointment to such Tribunals being the same as
the manner of appointment of High Court Judges. A perusal of
Sections 113(b)(i) to (iii) and 113(3) read with Section 78, Sections
84, 85 and 125 of the Electricity Act and corresponding provisions of
similar Acts may, thus, need a fresh look. In some Tribunals (For
example, the tribunal constituted under the Telecom Regulatory E
Authority of India Act, 1997), the Tribunal exercises original
jurisdiction to the exclusion of all courts and is located only at Delhi.
Further, normally tenure of office of the Chairman and members is
of short duration of three to five years. Access to justice may not be,
thus, available with.the convenience with which it is available when
jurisdiction is with the local civil courts sought to be substituted. F
Such provisions may need review in larger public interest and for
providing access to justice. Apart from the above aspect, further
question is whether providing appeals to this Court in routine, without
there being issues of general public importance, is not a serious
obstruction to the effective working of this Court. [Paras 33, 34, G
35)(133-E-H; 134-A-C]
3.3. While there may be no lack of legislative competence
with the Parliament to make provision for direct appeal to the
Supreme Court from orders of Tribunals but the legislative
H
104 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A competence is not the only parameter of constitutionality. It can
hardly be gainsaid that routine appeals to the highest court may
result in obstruction of the Constitutional role assigned to the
highest court as observed above. This may affect the balance
required to be maintained by the highest court of giving priority
to cases of national importance, for which larger Benches may be
B
required to be constituted. Routine direct appeals to the highest
court in commercial litigation affecting individual parties without
there being any issue of national importance may call for
reconsideration at appropriate levels. Further question is
composition of Tribunals as substitutes for High Courts and
c exclusion of High Court jurisdiction on account of direct appeals
to this Court. Apart from desirability, constitutionality of such
provisions may need to be gone into. However, no opinion on
this aspect at this stage is expressed. [Para 40)[137-D-GJ
3.4. The questions which may be required to be examined
D by the Law Commission are:
Whether any changes in the statutory framework
constituting various Tribunals with regard to persons
appointed, manner of appointment, duration of
appointment, etc. is necessary in the light of judgment
E of this Court in Madras Bar Association or on any
other consideration from the point of view of
strengthening the rule of law; Whether it is
permissible and advisable to provide appeals routinely
to this Court only on a question of law or substantial
question of law which is not of national or public
F
importance without affecting the constitutional role
assigned to the Supreme Court having regard to the
desirability of decision being rendered within
reasonable time; Whether direct statutory appeals to
the Supreme Court bypassing the High Courts from
G the orders of Tribunal affects access to justice to
litigants in remote areas of the country; Whether it is
desirable to exclude jurisdiction of all courts in
absence of equally effective alternative mechanism
for access to justice at grass root level as has been
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 105
LIMITED
done in provisions of TDSAT Act (Sections 14 and A
15); Any other incidental or connected issue which
may be considered appropriate.
The Law Commission is requested to give its report as
far as possible within one year. Thereafter the matter may be
examined by concerned authorities. [Paras 43, 44](138-C-H) B
L Chandra Kumar v. Union of India (1997) 3 SCC 261
: 1997 (2) SCR 1186; Madras Bar Association v. Union
of India (2014) 10 SCC 1 : 2014 (10) SCR 1; Mathai
alias Joby v. George (2010) 4 SCC 358 : 2010 (3) SCR
533; Bihar Legal Support Society v. Chief Justice of C
India (1986) 4 SCC 767 : 1987 (1) SCR 295 - referred
to.
Case Law Reference
1997 (2) SCR 1186 referred to Para 31
2014 (10) SCR 1 referred to Para 32 D
2010 (3) SCR 533 referred to Para37
1987 (1) SCR 295 referred to Para 38
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION: Civil Appeal No. 3455
of2010. E
From the Judgment and Order dated 22.02.20 I 0 of the Appellate
Tribunal for Electricity, New Delhi in Appeal Nos. 77 and 86 of2009.
C. A. Sundaram, Sr. Adv., M. G. Ramchandran, Ms. Hemantika
Wahi, Shubham Arya, Abhishek Gupta, Zafar Inayat, Ms. Rohini Musa,
F
Ms. Poorva Saigal, Advs. for the Appellant.
Mihir Joshi, Sr. Adv., Keyur Gandhi, Mahesh Agarwal, Ms. Neeha
Nagpal, Abhimanyu Bhandari, E. C. Agrawala, Advs. for the Respondent.
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by
ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J. Part I : Introductoiy G
1. This appeal has been preferred under Section 125 of the
Electricity Act, 2003 ('the Act') against the judgment and order dated
22"d February, 2010 passed by the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (the
Tribunal) in Appeal No.86 of2009 whereby the Tribunal has set aside
H
106 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2016] 5 S.C.R.
A the order of the Gujarat Electricity Regulatory Commission ('the
Commission') which was in favour of the appellant.
2. The substantial question of law sought to be raised by the
appellant is:
"Whether the Tribunal has correctly interpreted the terms
B of Power Purchase Agreement dated 30•h May, 1996 (PPA)
and is justified in reversing the finding of the Commission
based on interpretation of the said PPA and other documents
on record.?"
Part II : Facts
c 3. The appellant, Gujarat Urja Vikas Nigam Ltd. ('the GUVNL'),
is the successor of the Gujarat Electricity Board and is a deemed licencee
under Section 2 (39) read with Sections 12 and 14 of the Act. The
respondent, ESSAR Power Limited ('the EPL'), is a generation company
within the meaning of Section 2 (28) of the Act. The appellant filed a
D petition before the Commission under Section 86 (i)(t) of the Act for
adjudication of the dispute arising out of the Power Purchase Agreement
('the PPA'). The appellant inter alia sought compensation for wrongful
allocation of electricity by the EPL to its sister concern, Essar Steel Ltd.
(ESL) in preference to the appellant.
E 4. According to the appellant, the EPL was required to allocate
300 MW out of the total 5 I 5 MW of electricity and the remaining 215
MW was to be allocated to ESL. In case the quantum of generation
was less than 5 I 5 MW, the allocation was !9 be in the proportion of300
: 215. Contrary to this requirement, the EPL al located more electricity
to ESL. The EPL agreed, vi de letter dated 17 .02.2000, that the appellant
F will be entitled to electricity in the proportion of300: 215 but the same
was not adhered to. This resulted in loss to the appellant and gain to the
EPL which, according to the appellant, tentatively worked out to Rs.4 76.22
crores (towards principal amount). It was further pleaded by the
appellant that under the agreement, the appellant was liable to pay the
G annual fixed charges, the variable charges, incentive etc. in relation to
the allocated capacity of300 MW out of total 5 IS MW. Similarly, the
ESL to whom balance capacity of 215 MW was allocated was to bear
proportionate annual fixed cost, thus, the EPL was required to make
electricity available to the appellant in the proportion of300: 215 as per
clause 3 of the Agreement. The EPL was required to declare the
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 107
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.)
avail ab ii ity in the same proportion so that the dispatch instruction could A
be issued as per the Agreement. The appellant pleaded that it was entitled
to compensation for wrong allocation of electricity based on the applicable
HT rate from time to time. The appellant claimed damages equal to the
difference of rate at which electricity was to be supplied to it and the
rate at which the appellant was to supply the same to its consumers.
B
For this purpose, the respondent was liable to give true details and
complete account of the allocation made to the appellant and to ESL.
The appellant had also raised a claim for recovery of Deemed Generation
Incentive paid to the respondent to which the respondent was not entitled
but the said claim is no longer subject matter of this appeal, the order of
the Tribunal in that respect having become final. c
5. It will be appropriate to refer to the prayer clause in the petition
filed by the appellant:-
"(a) hold that the petitioner is entitled to adjust in the
tariff payable by the petitioner to the respondent for
purchase of electricity all amounts received by the D
respondent as a result of wrong allocation of electricity;
and deemed generation incentive when Naphtha is
proposed to be used as fuel;
(b) award cost of the proceedings in favour of the
petitioner and against the respondent; and E
(c) pass such other or further orders as may be deemed
proper to give relief to the petitioner;
(d) continue to raise bills on Essar Group Companies
based on proportionate methodology. "
6. The above claims were contested by the respondent based on
preliminary objections including the plea oflimitation as well as on merits. F
Part III : Pleadings
7. As noticed in Para 4 above, the case of the appellant in the
petition filed before the Commission was that the respondent had wrongly
utilized the capacity ofthe generating station in favour ofits sister concern, G
against the rights and interest of the appellant in violation of the PPA,
the respondent allocated part of generating capacity required to be
allocated to the appellant to its sister concern. The appellant had the
obligation to pay annual fixed charges, variable charges, incentive etc. in
relation to the specified allocated capacity and the sister concern of the
H
108 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A respondent was to pay proportionate annual fixed cost. The Agreement
required the EPL to declare availability in the specified proportion even
when generation was less than the total 515 MW capacity. Contrary to
the said requirement, the respondent allocated more electricity" to ESL
and offered proportionately less electricity to the appellant. Thereby, not
only the agreement was violated, the understanding reflected in letters
B
issued by the respondent was also not honored. In para 23.0 it was
specifically mentioned that the appellant was entitled to claim
compensation for the wrong allocation and in para 24.0, it was mentioned
that the respondent was required to give detailed and complete account
of the allocation made.
c 8. As against the above stand of the appellant, the stand of the
respondent in its written submission filed before the Commission on J Sth
January, 2009 is that its only obligation was to supply 300 MW to the
Board as and when called upon to do so. There was no bar to supply
more than 215 MW to ESL. There is no evidence of any loss suffered
D by the appellant. Article 3.1 of the Agreement could not be read as
suggested by the appellant. Further, if supply was below the quantum
specified in the dispatch instructions, penalty could be claimed as per
clause 7.4.3 of Schedule VII of the Agreement. Further, the appellant
was defaulter in complying with its obligations in making timely payment.
E Part IV: Finding of the Commission
9. The Commission upheld the plea of limitation raised by the
respondent to the extent that the appellant was held entitled to its claims
only for three years preceding the filing of the petition, i.e., from ] 4th
September, 2002, the petition having been filed on 14th September, 2005.
F The Tribunal upheld the said finding. Though the appellant had filed
Civil Appeal No.3454 of20 I 0 on this aspect, the said appeal was dismissed
by this Court vide order dated 2"d September, 20 l I as fol lows :
"The appeal directed against the decision
dated 22.2.2010 rendered by the Appellate
Tribunal for Electricity in appeal No. 7712009
G
upholding the finding of the State Commission that the
claim of the appellant against the respondent for any
period upto 14.9.2002 is barred by time except to the
extent of Rs.64 crores paid by the respondent to the
appellant pursuant to the full and final settlement of
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 109
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
claims for the period from 1998 upto September, 2004, A
is dismissed. "
I 0. The Tribunal also upheld the order of the Commission accepting
the claim of the appellant under the head of a Deemed Generation
Incentive and the respondent has not challenge.cl this aspect.
11. Thus, the only question for consideration is the claim of the B
appellant for failure to declare availability of power in the proportion of
300 : 215 MW for the period from I 41h September, 2002 onwards.
12. The Commission on this aspect held as follows:
"9.1 The PPA was executed on 30.5.1996 and effective
for a period of20 years. The relevant clauses of the PPA c
have been examined. It is quite clear that under the PPA,
GUVNL has an obligation to pay an annual fixed cost for
the allocated capacity, which is 300 MW. Having paid the
annual fixed cost for the said capacity, GUVNL has a
right for an equivalent amount of electrical output. The D
purpose of paying annual fixed cost is to ensure that
GUVNL alone has the right to the said capacity and that
no part of the same can be sold to any other party. It is
true that 41 the normal industry practice is that unless the
allocated capacity, for which fixed charges are being paid
by the beneficiary is surrendered, the beneficiary has the E
ability to sell/ negotiate any transaction for utilisation of
such allocated capacity. In this context, reference is also
made to the CERC (Terms and Conditions of
Determination of Tariff) Regulations, 2004.
F
9.2 The question that arises for consideration is whether
GUVNL can claim allocation on a proportionate basis i.e.
to say, that if EPL is unable to declare 300MW capacity
which is allocated to GUVNL under the PPA, EPL would
then have to declare capacity proportionately in the ratio
of 58:42 from the total declared capacity. In this context G
one is required to carefully review Article 3.1 of the PPA.
9.3 Although in the definition of allocated capacity, it is
only mentioned that I 92MW capacity during Open Cycle
mode operation and 300MW capacity during Combined H
110 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016) 5 S.C.R.
A Cycle mode operation is allocated to GUVNL, the same
is further elaborated in Article 3.1. ln Article 3.1, the parties
have agreed as follows: -
"3.1 The allocation of the Capacity shall be as under:
a) During Open Cycle mode operation prior to
B commissioning of the Combined Cycle mode operation:
138MW to the Essar Group of Companies; and 192
MW to the Board
b) During Combined Cycle mode:
215 MW to the Essar Group of Companies; and
300 MW to the Board
c
The Company undertakes that, subject to the provisions and
during the tenn of this Agreement, it will fuel and operate
the Generating Station to meet the requirements of electrical
output that can be generated corresponding to the allocated
capacity, in accordance with its Dynamic Parameters so
D as to comply with the Operating Characteristics except to
the extent:
(i) as anticipated under the Maintenance Programme
during the period of~cheduled Outage.
(ii) That to do so would not be in accordance with Good
E Industry Practice;
(iii) That may be necessary due to circumstances
relating to Safety (of personnel or plant apparatus);
(iv) that to do so would betmlawful;
(v) That may be necessary for reasons ofForce Majeure
Natural or NonNatural."
F
9.4 For the interpretation of the contract the following
principle as laid down by the Supreme Court in Mrs. M.N.
Clubwala v. Fida Hussain Saheb ( 1964) 6 SCR 642 has to
be kept in mind:
Whether an agreement creates between the parties the
G
relationship of landlord and tenant or merely that of
licensor and licensee the decisive consideration is the
intention of the parties. This intention has to be
ascertained on a consideration of "all the relevant
provisions in the agreement."
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 111
LIMITED [ADARSHKUMAR GOEL, J.]
" ... The dispute may arise between the very parties to A
the written instrument, where on the construction of
the deed one party contends that the transaction is a
'licence' and the other that it is a 'lease'. The intention
to be gathered from the document read as a whole has,
quite obviously, a-dir_ect bearing." (Underline Supplied).
B
Also, the Hon'ble Supreme Court has held in State of Andhra
Pradesh. Vs. Kone Elevators India Ltd. (2005) 3 SCC 386:
"It is a settled law that the substance and not the form of the
contract is material in determining the nature of the transaction".
Therefore, it is necessary to read the PPA as a whole in order to c
give a correct interpretation to the terms therein contained. The
definition of 'Allocated Capacity' in the PPA has to be read in
conjunction with Article 3. I. Article 3 .1 clearly records the
allocation of capacity between two entities i.e. GUVNL as well
as Essar Stee I. ,
D
9.5 From the reading of the Article 3.1 of the PPA as also the
corresponding Articles in the PPA with Essar Steel, it is clear that
the intention of the parties was that the capaeity of the generating
plant will be shared between the two beneficiaries only. The fact
that Article 3.1 of the present PPA records the capacity allocated
to the Essar Group companies along with the capacity allocated E
to GUVNL shows that intention of the parties was to provide for
allocation in the proportion of 138: 192 (while working in open cycle
mode) and 215:300 (while working in combined cycle mode).
Otherwise there is no reason for mentioning in Article 3. I. of
PPA about the quantum that is contracted with Essar Steel.
F
Similarly, the fact that the PPA with Essar Steel states the allocation
to GUVNL goes to show that the allocation was intended to be on
a proportionate basis, between the two parties I purchasers only.
During the arguments, the Learned Counsel for the Respondent
also clarified that apart from the two purchasers of power there
is no other third party sale that has taken place. The intention of G
EPL is to recover the fixed charges is only from the two
beneficiaries, in proportion to the allocated capacity. This is clear
from the reading of the two PPAs. Hence, EPL cannot argue that
the PPA does not recognise the proportionate principle at all. If
the proportionate principle is acceptable for recovery of fixed
H
112 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016) 5 S.C.R.
A charges, it cannot be abandoned for al location of supply.
9.6 The submission ofEPL that there is no clause in the PPA that
it cannot supply more than 215 MW to Essar Steel is also not
correct. Once the entire capacity has been al located between the
two parties in a particular proportion, EPL cannot violate the
B proportionate allocation for the benefit of any one party. Having
sold the capacity of 300 MW to GUVNL and 215 MW to Essar
Steel, for which fixed charges are paid in the said propo11ion, EPL
cannot argue that it can sell power to Essar Steel beyond the
capacity allocated to it. There is no spare capacity that allows
EPL to do that. Under the procedure for dispatch in Schedule VI
c of the PPA, EPL had to declare weekly schedules of the
"Capacity" that is available for the entire station (and not the
"Allocated capacity"). On the basis of such declaration,
requirement-schedule and dispatch instructions are issued. The
obligation of EPL is clearly to declare the "Capacity" of the
D generating plant as a whole. Once the declared availability forthe
entire plant is known, the beneficiaries will proceed to issue
dispatch instructions in accordance with the terms of the PPA.
Hence, the argument of EPL that it does not have the obligation
to declare capacity forthe entire plant is incorrect and contrary to
the terms of Schedule VI of the PPA. This submission is contrary
E
to the procedure prescribed in the PPA as well as the normal
industry practice. Once the capacity of the generating station as
a whole is available, the allocation of capacity has to take place in
the proportion that is contracted. Also, the submission of EPL that
the Petitioner's only concern, under terms of the PPA, is that it
F must get electricity in accordance with its Dispatch Instructions,
within the limits of allocated capacity is not entirely correct. The
Petitioner has a right to be supplied electrical output proportionate
to the declared capacity of the generating plant in terms of the
PPA. EPL cannot ignore its obligation of declaring the entire
capacity. Once the entire capacity of the generating plant is
G declared, the proportionate principle of allocation of capacity will
become applicable and as a natural consequence, the electrical
output will be allocated and supplied between the two beneficiaries
on proportionate basis, in accordance with the dispatch instructions.
It appears that EPL is avoiding its obligation to declare the entire
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 113
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
capacity. The ability to recover deemed non generation due to A
difference in schedule generation and actual generation has nothing
to do with the requirement to allocate capacity and supply electrical
output on a proportionate basis.
9.7 In view of the aforesaid, the Commission accepts the
submission made by GUVNL to the effect that, if in a time block B
the declared availability forthe station with 515 MW of the installed
capacity in only 400 MW, the same should be declared available
to GUVNL to the extent of 233 MW and to Essar Group to the
extent of 167 MW, maintaining the proportion of 58%: 42%
(300:215). It is not valid for EPL to declare available in any time
block to Essar Group to the extent of 215 MW towards their c
share and declare available to GUVNL 185 MW. Such an act
would mean that Essar Group is being preferred at the cost of
GUVNL. As against the GUVNL's entitlement of233 MW they
will get only 185 MW and therefore a deficit of 48 MW equivalent
of electricity. That certainly cannot be the intention of the parties. D
9.8 Under the PPA, the obligation to supply power by EPL to
GUVNL is limited to the electrical output equivalent to the allocated
capacity of300 MW. The fact that the EPL has an obligation to
make payment of deemed non generation inceritive and reduce
annual fixed charges on a pro rata basis, cannot in any manner E
negate the proportiona,te principle of allocation when EPL declares
availability less than the allocated capacity.
9.9 In this context, EPL's reliance on the letterofthe Government
of Gujarat dated 05.06.1995 to argue that only the surplus, after
meeting the requirement of its sister companies, is to be supplied F
to GUVNL is not correct. Once the PPA has been executed, the
parties are governed by the terms of the PPA. In fact Article 12.5
of the PPA clarifies that the PPA and the schedules attached
thereto are a complete and exclusive statement of the terms of
the agreement and that all prior written or oral understandings,
offers or other communication of every kind pertaining to the ~ale G
or purchase of electrical output and dependable capacity between
the parties is abrogated and withdrawn ..
9.10 Furthermore, in the letter dated 17.02.2000, EPL categorically
agreed to the concept that power should be supplied in the ratio of
H
114 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A 58:42 provided certain conditions are fulfilled. The conditions
mentioned in the said letter will demonstratethatthe each condition
is either in the nature of additional concessions I modification that
were sought by EPL or alleged defaults on the part of GUVNL,
which was not agreed to by GUVNL.
B 9.11 However, if GUVNL does not take the power declared
available by EPL in terms of the aforesaid ratio, EPL will have
the right to sell the power to its sister concern subject to
reimbursement of the proportionate of the annual fixed charges.
GUVNL cannot make a submission that although it will not
purchase such power as declared available by EPL, EPL cannot
c sell the same to its sister concern. Such a submission would defeat
the purpose of the Electricity Act, 2003 and the National Electricity
Policy which promotes generation and encourages sale of surplus
capacity. IfGUVNL does not schedule the power to the extent of
availability declared by EPL of the entire plant in terms of the
D PPA, it cannot complain ifthe power is sold to EPL's sister concern
and the proportionate of the annual fixed cost is reimbursed.
9.12 The Commission is of the view that GUVNL is entitled to
claim compensation for the energy diverted to Essar Steel from
the capacity allocated tQ GUVNL under the PPA. EPL at all times
E has an obligation under the present PPA to declare avai !ability for
the entire plant and allocate the supply on the basis of300:215 or
58:42.
9.13 As regards the quantum of compensation payable on account
o( diversion, the PPA is silent on the same. The parties in the
F settlement for dues on account of diversion for the period between
1998 and September, 2004 agreed on a particular methodology
for determining such compensation. The parties had agreed that
GUVNL is entitled to the HTP I energy tariff after excluding the
variable cost. The diversion in the circumstance should be computed
on an hourly basis. This appears to be a fair manner of determining
G the compensation that is to be paid for the period after September,
2004. The parties are required to reconcile the generation data
and make final calculation on the basis of the aforesaid principle.
9.14 The Commission also directs that for the remaining
period of the PPA, EPL has a legal obligation to declare
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 115
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
availability for the entire capacity and that it shall not divert A
any power to its sister concern in a manner contrary to the
proportionate principle. If GUVNL declines to purchase
power allocated on the proportionate basis, EPL will have
the right to sell the power to its sister concern subject to
.reimbursement of proportionate of the fixed cost."
B
Part V: Appeal to the Tribunal and the Finding of the Tribunal
13. The respondent preferred an appeal before the Tribunal being
.Appeal No.86 of2009. Contention of the appellant was that the EPL
was not obliged to declare electricity availability in ratio of 300 : 2 l S
MW to the appellant. The PPA signed with the appellant and the sister c·
concern ofthe EPL were independent The obligation to supply was to
. arise after receiving dispatch instructions only.
14. The Tribunal framed following questions for consideration :
" (i) Whether under the PPA 1and11 the supply of electrical
output to be made by the Appellant shall be in the ratio of D
300:2_15 MW; the allocated capacity of the Electricity Board
(R-1) diid Essar Steels Ltd. respectively?.
(ii) Whether the Appellant, which failed to declare the entire
capacity of its generating station to the Electricity Board made
the supply of electricity to its sister concern Essar Steels Ltd.
E
in excess of the said ratio is liable to_ be held responsible for
the 'breach of the terms of PPA and conseq.uently the Appellant
is liable to compensate the.
Electricity
'
Board (R-1) "...... .
15. The Tribunal upheld the stand of the EPL.r It was held that
Articles I and III of Schedule VI to the PPA did not re·quire the EPL to
declare the capacity in the ratio of 300 : 215 MW. As regards letters F
dated 17th February, 2000 and 4'h October, 2001 by which the respondent
accepted its liability, it was held that the GUVNL never accepted or
complied with its obligations and therefore, the respondent was not bound
by the stand in the said letters. It was further observed that the claim
for the period from 1" July, 1996 stood settled in view letter dated 13th G
October, 2006 of the GUVNL to accept Rs.64 crores for diverting
electricity to ESL. Non-declaration of available capacity on proportionate
basis was not shown to have resulted in any loss or damage to GUVNL.
GUVNL had not proved any actual loss; It was observed tha:t on the
principle of Section 35 of the Sale of Goods Act, 1920, there was no
H
116 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A obligation to deliver in absence of dispatch instructions. Further, the
ESL supplied fuel to EPL for conversion into electricity but for supply to
the GUVNL, the EPL had to procure fuel from outside. GUVNL also
made default in making payment to the EPL which amounted to breach
ofreciprocal obligation. GUVNL also failed to establish letter of credit
to secure the payment of the amount payable to the EPL which also was
B
breach on the part of the appellant.
16. The finding of the Tribunal is:-
"45. From these provisions of Schedule-VI, it is clear that there is
no provision, express or implied, to suggest that the EPL is liable
c to declare the available capacity in the said ratio to the Board and
the Essar Steels Ltd. All these provisions would only say that the
EPL has to first give Weekly Schedules to the Electricity Board
indicating the time and capacity which would be available and the
Electricity Board shall thereafter issue its requirement schedule
through Despatch Instructions and thereupon EPL is liable to
D operate generating station in accordance with the Despatch
Instructions given by the i::iectricity Board and supply.
46. On a combined reading of Articles I and 3 and Schedule VI
of the PPA-1, it is clear that EPL has to declare available capacity
up to the allocated capacity to both the Electricity Board as well
E as to Essar Steels Ltd. and not on proportionate theory basis.
47. As a matter of fact, Article 5.2 of the PPA-1 obligates the
Electricity Board to pay to the Appellant its Annual Fixed Charges
including the cost of the project on the level of generation achieved
up to the allocated capacity and not on the allocated capacity
F itself. The Electricity Board has accordingly paid the Annual Fixed
Charges on monthly basis on the level of generation achieved up
to the allocated capa~ity.
48. It is pointed out by the Ld. Senior Counsel for the Appellant
that so far as the payment towards cost of the project is concerned,
G the Electricity Board had agreed to pay Rs. 945 crores out of the
total cost of the project amounting to Rs. 2061 crores which only
-comes to approximately 46%, i.e. less than 58% of the total project
cost.
49. In such circumstances, the Electricity Board (R-1) cannot
H
GUJARAT lJRJA VJKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 117
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
claim that by reasons of it's making payment for the Annual Fixed A
Charge~ up to the allocated capacity, it was always obligatory on
the part of the EPL to supply power to the extent of 58% to the
Electricity Board and that since EPL has sold a part of Electricity
Board's share in the power generated by the EPL to its sister
concern, EPL is liable to compensate the Electricity Board for the
B
same by treating such power which sold by EPL to Essar Steel
Ltd. as if it was sold by the Electricity Board itself to Essar Steel
Ltd. after purchasing the same from the EPL.
50. On the basis of letters dated 17.02.2000 and 04.10.200 I, it is
contended on behalf of the Electricity Board (R-1) that EPL has
conceded to its proportionate theory basis and as such it cannot c
go back. This contention is not tenable. EPL in those letters merely
expressed its willingness to agree to the proportionate theory basis
subject to the condition that Electricity Board should commit default
in making the payment of dues payable under the PPA-1 to EPL
and also subject to the condition that the Electricity Board shall D
comply with other conditions of the PPA-1.
51. Admittedly, the stipulated conditions in those letters were neither
accepted nor complied with by the Electricity Board. Hence the
offer made by the EPL to the Electricity Board for agreeing to
the proportionate theory basis would not be construed to be E
conceding and as such it is binding on it.
52. In the second letter dated 04. I 0.2001 also, EPL stipulated the
condition of making prompt payments by the Electricity Board to
EPL and for establishment of Letter of Credit to secure payments
under PPA-1. Even this condition, the Electricity Board was not F
ready to comply with. As such the proposal made by the EPL to
the Electricity Board regarding proportionate theory subject to
the conditions is not binding on the Appellant.
53. Furthermore, when there is an amendment to the PPA-1 on
18.12.2003, there is no reference about these amendments for G
declaration of supply of power in the ratio Of58:42 to the Electricity
Board as well as to the Essar Steels Ltd. respectively. The preamble
of the said Supplemental Agreement dated 18.12.2003 clearly
establishes that EPL is only obliged to generate the electricity up
to 300 MW allocated to the Electricity Board and nothing more.
H
118 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A In other words, there is no amendment with regard to the
declaration of electricity generated on proportionate basis in the
said Supplemental Agreement dated 18.12.2003.
54. Under such circumstances, it is not open to the Electricity
Board to rely upon the aforesaid letters dated 17.02.2000 and
B 04.10.2001 to advance the plea of its proporti_onate theory.
55, It is an admitted fact that the Electricity Board through its
letter dated 29.10.2003 demanded from EPL the payment of an
aggregate amount of Rs. 537 crores on account ofalleged diversion
of power by EPL to Essar Steels Ltd for the period commencing
c from 01.07 .1996 to 31st March 1999. It is also an admitted fact
'
that the parties thereafter held several rounds ofdiscussions and
as a result of those discussions, a settlement was actually arrived
at by the parties in October 2004. Pursuant to the said settlement,
the Electricity Board recalculated the amount, due on the basis of
power supplied by the EPL to Essar Steels Ltd in excess of the
D allocated capacity of215 MW shall alone be treated as sold arid
supplied by the Electricity Board. On this basis, the Electricity
Board itself furnished a statement to the Appellant, EPL showing
that a sum of Rs. 64 crores is payable for the aforesaid period
and on the aforesaid basis, the EPL accepted the same as a part
E of overall package and authorized the Electricity Board to recover
the same on a condition that the same methodology would be
adopted in future also. Thereafter, through their letter dated
13.10.2006, the Electricity Board accepted to receive Rs. 64 crores
for diverting the electricity to the Essar Steels Ltd.
F 56. Under those circumstances, it is clear that the claim of the
Electricity Board against the EPL with respect to the alleged
diversion of power by the EPL to Essar Steels Ltd. for the period
from 01.07.96 had already been settled by the payment and this
settlement is final, conclusive and binding on the parties. As
correctly obst;rved by the State Commission, the same is not liable
G to be reopened at this stage.
57. Admittedly, it is not established that there is any breach of the
contract as the part of the Appellant under PPA-1 on account of
non-declaration of available capacity to the Electricity Board on
proportionate basis. The compensation can be claimed only.when
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 119
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
there is a breach and due to the same there was a loss or damage A
caused by the said breach of contract. This has to be pleaded and
proved. Unless this is done, no compensation can be claimed.
This is a settled law as held by the Supreme Court in (1974) Vol-
2 SCC 231 - Raman Foundry V/s Union oflndia.
58. In the present case, the Electricity Board has not pleaded and B
proved the actual loss or damage caused to it due to the alleged ·
breach of contract. The principle enshrined in section 73 of the
Contract Act has been incorporated in Article I 0.1 of the PPA-1
which reads as follows:
" ...... neither Party shall be liable to the other Party in contract, c
trot, warranty, strict liability or any other any other legal theory
for any indirect, consequential, incidental, punitive or exemplary
damages. Neither Party shall have any liability to. the other
Party except pursuant to, or for breach of this Agreement,
provided, however, that this provision is not intended to
constitute a waiver of any rights of one Party against the other D
with regard to matters related to this Agreement or any activity
contemplated by this Agreement".
· 59. Similarly, the explanation to Section 73 of the Indian Contract
Act provides that in estimating the foss or damage arising from
breach of contract, the means which existed of remedying the E
inconvenience caused by the non-performanc.e of the contract
must be taken into account. It is the duty of the court to take into
account whether the party affected by breach of contract has
performed its duty to mitigate the loss while estimating the Joss or
damage arising from the breach of contract. In the present case, F
the Electricity Board merely pleads that EPL has failed to declare
and supply the available capacity of electricity on proportionate
basis to the Electricity Board and nothing more.
60. As indicated above, as per Article 3.2 of PPA-1, the EPL
becomes liable to deliver the capacity to the Electricity Board at G
the delivery point in accordance with the Despatch Instructions.
The Despatch Instructions are instructions for delivery of
electricity. The principle contained in Article 3 .2 of PPA-1 is in
terms of the provisions of Section 35 of the Sale of Goods Act,
,1920. Section 35 of the Sale of Goods Act declares that the seller
H
120 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2016] 5 S.C.R.
A of goods is not bound to deliver until the buyer applies for the
delivery.
xxx
74. One more aspect needs to be mentioned. The arrangement in
relation to supply of electricity up to the al located capacity of300
B MW between the Appellant EPL and the Electricity Board under
the PPA-1 and between the EPL and its sister concern Essar
Steels Ltd. under PPA-2 read with Fuel Management Agreement
dated 18.10.1996 are materially different. The Essar Steels Ltd
supplies fuel to EPL for conversion into electricity, whereas the
c Electricity Board is under no obligation to supply fuel to EPL.
Admittedly, the EPL has to procure fuel from outside and use it
for generating electricity for sale to the Electricity Board.
75. The PPA-1 is a contract between the EPL and the Electricity
Board containing reciprocal promises. In consideration of EPL
D supplying electricity to the Electricity Board up to the allocated
capacity in accordance with the Despatch Instructions, the
Electricity Board had agreed and. undertaken to pay the EPL the
tariff as mentioned in the PPA- 1. It is an admitted fact that the
Electricity Board has committed default in making payment when
due to be made to the EPL under the PPA-1. In fact, the EPL, the
E Appellant has produced materials to show that at one point of
time in March 2008, the aggregate amount due to EPL was to the
tune of Rs. 519 crores. EPL has produced documents to show
that the Electricity Board is a defaulter in making pay1hent of its
due under the PPA-1 right from the inception of i.t.
F 76. It is also an admitted fact that EPL had written several letters
to the Electricity Board to establish._1,etter of Credit to secure the
payment of the amount payable under PPA-1 and also pay the
amounts when due. But the Electricity Board did not heed to the
request made by the EPL in this behalf and as a result of it the
G ability of EPL to purchase the fuel for generating electricity meant
for sale to the Electricity Board got impaired.
77. As mentioned above, the claim for compensation made by the
Electricity Board against EPL in the present case is due to the
alleged breach of contract by EPL in declaring and supplying the
power to the Electricity Board in the proportion of300MW out of
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 121
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
the total capacity 515 MW. The grievance is that EPL has supplied A
less power than what is due to the Electricity Board under the
PPA-1. As aforesaid, Article 3.2 of the PPA-1 obliges the Appellant
to supply electricity to the Electricity Board only in accordance
with the Despatch Instructions given by the Electricity Board from
time to time. As a matter of fact, there is no provision in the PPA-
B
1 which restricts the right of the Electricity Board to demand for
supply of electricity only up to the declared available capacity of
the EPL. Admittedly, many a times the Electricity Board asked
for supply of more quantum of electricity than what was declared
as available to it by the EPL by revising its Despatch Instructions
and immediately thereafter the EPL met this demand. c
xxx
81. In the light of the above position, the direction given by the
State Commission with reference to reimbursement of Annual
Fixed Charges to the Electricity Board when the Electricity Board
has not secured energy to the extent allocated under the D
proportionate principle is not correct as the same is misconceived.
In this case we are of the view that the Annual Fixed Charges are
not refundable for the surrendered portion of the electricity to the
person in whose favour such electricity is surrendered. Hence, in
regard to the issue relating to the Iiabil ity to pay compensation we E
hold that, in Electricity Board is not entitled to get the compensation
as claimed and as such the Appellant EPL succeeds in this issue.
Consequently the findings given by the State Commission on this
issue are set aside. "
Part VI : Rival Submissions F
17. We have heard Shri C.A. Sundaram, learned senior counsel
for the appellant and Shri K.K. Venugopal, learned senior counsel for
the respondent.
18. Learned counsel for the appellant submitted that the Tribunal
had ignored the implications of Article 3 of the PPA. The true import of G
the PPA clearly casts an obligation on the EPL to allocate electricity in
ratio of300 ~ 215 MW. This interpretation was accepted by the EPL in
its letters dated I 71h February, 2000, 4 1h March, 2000 and 4 1h October,
200 I. Issues of non payment of money due or not opening the letter of
credit and not making advance payment of fuel stood settled by
H
122 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A Supplementary Agreement dated I 8'h December, 2003 and letter dated
191h December, 2003. Thus, the Tribunal erroneously assumed that
amount of Rs.519 crores was outstanding. Moreover, there is an error
in the order of the Tribunal in observing that GUVNL had not proved
·suffering of any damage. Para 23 of the petition expressly asserted the
damage. There is further error in interpretation. of Schedule VI in
B
regard to the obligation to declare the availability of generating power
upon which the dispatch instructions could be.issued. In absence of such
declaration, the dispatch instructions could not be issued. Finding that
the appellant accepted Rs.64 crores by way of settlement was against
record.
c 19. The EPL supports the view taken by the Tribunal. It is
submitted that there was no obligation for proportionate declaration of
available generation capacity. The respondent was to meet the
. requirement of electric output corresponding to allocated capacity of
300 MW. This obligation was subject to reciprocal performance of
D obligation by the appellant. The PPA executed by the respondent with
the ESL was on different tenns. The appellant was required to make
payment on due dates under Article 5.3 of the Agreement and was also
required to establish a letter of credit under Article 5.5. As against this,
under Article 4.1 of the PPA with the ESL, fuel is to be supplied by the
ESL which created an obligation to generate electrical output upto the
E capacity allocated to the ESL. For supply to the appellant, fuel is required·
to be arranged by the respondent. The appellant had not paid cost for its
allocated capacity. The cost was pegged at Rs.945 crores as against
investment ofRs.2061 crores by the respondent. The stand taken in the
letter of the Respondent dated I 7'h February, 2000 could not be read as
F obligation of the respondent for proportionate generation of the output or
declaration of available capacity in absence of compliance of obligations
under the PPA by the appellant. In letter dated 41h March, 2000, it was
made clear that if letter of credit was not opened by the appellant,
respondent will not be obliged to supply power..
G Part VII : Points for consideration
20. The points which arise for consideration are :
(i) True interpretation of PPA to determine whether there is any
obligation to declare availability of power in the ratio of300 : 215;
(ii) Effect of letters dated I 7'h February, 2000, 4'h March, 2000
H
GUJARAT UIUA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 123
LlMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
and 41h October, 200 I on the rights of the parties; A
(iii) Interpretation of Schedule VI to determine whether the
obligation to issue dispatch instructions arose before declaration
of availability.
(iv) Relief to which the appellant may be entitled to.
B
Part VIII : Decision on above points and reasons therefor
Re: (i):
21. It is necessary to refer to the relevant provisions of the
Agreement:
"Article 3
c
3.1 Allocation of the Capacity
The allocation of the Capacity shall be as under:
a) During Open Cycle mode operation prior to commissioning of
the Combined Cycle mode operation: l 38MW to the Essar Group D
of Companies; and 192 MW to the Board
b) During Combined Cycle mode:
21 S MW to the Essar Group of Companies; and
300 MW to the Board . E
The Company undertakes that, subject to the provisions and during
the term of this Agreement, it will fuel and operate the Generating
Station to meet the requirements of electrical output that can be
generated corresponding to the allocated capacity, in accordance
with its Dynamic Parameters so as to comply with the Operating F
Characteristics except to the extent:
(i) as anticipated under the Maintenance Programme during the
period of Scheduled Outage.
(ii) That to do so would not be in accordance with Good Industry
G
Practice;
(iii) That may be necessary due to circumstances relating to Safety
(of personnel or plant apparatus);
(iv) that to do so would be unlawful;
H
124 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A (v) That may be necessary for n:asons of Force Majcure Natural
or Non-Natural."
3.2 Delivery of Active Energy
The Company shall deli1;:r Actin: E11.::rgy and Reactive Energy
to the Board at the Delivery Point in accordance with Disp11tch
B Instructions issued by the Board under the Dispatch procedures
as specified in Schedule VI. All Active Energy delivered by the
Company shall have at the D.::livery Point, the voltage, frequency
and the other electrical param<:ters •:~sociated with active/reactive
power as may be decided by the Board in accordance with the
c Operating Characteristics.
3.3 Availability Decla.·atior•. ,
From the date of Entry into Commercial Service of the first Unit
the Company shall, sub;;1it to the Board from time to time, Declared
Available Generation Capacity as.µcr tfr;: pwcedures set forth in
D Schedule VI.
xxx
Schedule VI
6.1 Submission of Weekly Schedules
E
The Company will submit to the Board's Load Dispatch Centre
at Jambua, Baroda weekly schedules indicating the times and
Capacity which will be available from Generating Station and if
not available and reasons therefor. These weekly schedules will
be submitted on or before each Friday for the next week starting
F from Monday. If at any time after the issue of such schedule,
there is any change in circumstances, the Company will notify the
Board about the revisions necessary in the weekly schedule and
the reasons therefor.
6.2 Issuance of Requirement Schedule
G The Board shall issue to the Company's Generating Station at
Hazira a Schedule of its requirement with respect to the generation
of the Allocated Capacity by the Generating Station during each
day by 5.00 PM on the preceding day. This schedule will indicate
the level of Active Power required to be produced by Generating
H
GUJARAT URJA YIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 125
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
Station. A
6.3 Issuance of Dispatch Schedule
The Board may issue Dispatch Instruction at any time after
issue of the schedule as mentioned in Clause 6.2 above. Dispatch
instruction may include requirements in respect of the reactive
power output measured at the Delivery Point to be maintained by B
the Generating Station.
6.4 Operation of Generating Station
The Company, subject to the provisions contained in Article 3.3
of this Agreement, shall operate Generating Station in accordance c
with the relevant Dispatch Instructions given by the Board from
time to time provided that the Company shall not be obliged to
comply with such instructions to the extent that it would require
the Company to operate the Generating Station otherwise than
the Dynamic Parameters applicable from time to time.
D
Schedule VII
7.1 TARIFF
The Tariff shall be determined as follows
a) Annual Fixed Charges to be determined in terms of Section
E
7.1.1
b) Variable Charges to be determined in terms of Section 7.2
c) Incentive Payment to be determined in terms of Section 7.3.
7.1.1 Annual Fixed Charges: Computation and payment
F
The Annual Fixed Charge shall be computed on the following
basis:
a) Interest on Debt:
It shall be computed on the Debt as per the Financial Plan approved
by the Board. Interest on Debt shall also include lease rentals G
payable in respect of lease assistance obtained by the Company
towards financing the Capital Cost.
If the Financing Plan envisages variable rates of interest on any
component of Debt, the Interest on Debt shall be recomputed by
H
126 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A applying the prevailing rates of interest during the month on each
such Debt. ·
In respect of interest on Foreign Debt, the interest liability on the
applicable Foreign Debt shall first be cofl}pUted in the applicable
foreign currencies and thereafter be converted to Rupees by
B adopting the Base Exchange Rate and such amount shall be
adopted for the purposes of computing Interest on Debt.
A Supplementary Invoice shall be raised for an amount equal to
the difference between the amount of interest liability on Foreign
Debt as determined on the basis of Base Exchange Rate and the
c amount of interest liability as on the due dates of the payment of
interest as per the Financing Plan computed on the basis of the
then prevailing exchange rate. If the amount payable to the
Company is determined to be less, on account of foreign exchange
variation, than the amount paid by the Board at the Base Exchange
Rate, such difference shall be repaid to the Board within 14 days
D from the date of the determination.
b) Operation and Maintenance Expenses (O&M) Expenses:
O&M Expenses including Insurance Charges for the first full
Accounting Year, after commissioning of Combined Cycle
E Operation of the Generating Station, shall be calculated at the
rate of 2.5% of the Capital Cost of Rs.945 crores in respect of
the Allocated Capacity.
The expenditure on the O&M expense in each subsequent year
shall be revised on the basis of the weighted Price Index based on
the Wholesale Price Index and Consumer Price Index in the ratio
F
of 70:30 respectively or at the rate of 10% progressively every
year, whichever is lower. O&M expenses shall not qualify for
foreign exchange variations.
c) Depreciation
G Depreciation will mean the depreciation as notified by the
Government of India from time to time and provided under the
Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 and shall be first computed on the
assets of the Generating Station and thereafter apportioned for
the purposes of the determining the Annual Fixed Charges as a
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 127
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
proportion of the Allocated Capacity over the Nominal Installed A
Capacity.
d) Tax on Income:
Tax on Income shall be determined in accordance with the
provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961 every year as under:
B
Tax payable by the Company , Return on Equity plus
Total taxable Income Incentive Payment
For the purposes of determination of the Annual Fixed Charges,
the Tax on Income shall be computed on an estimated basis. Any
under or over recovery of Tax on Income shall be adjusted every
year on the basis of certificate of documentation of Tax paid and c
assessment by the Income Tax Officer concerned.
e) Return on Equity (ROE):
Return on Equity shall be computed on Equity at 16% per annum
and shall include ROFE.
D
Return on Foreign Equity (ROFE) shall be computed at the rate
of 16% on the amount of Foreign Equity in the applicable foreign
currency and thereafter be converted to Rupees at the Base
Exchange Rate and such amount shal I be adopted for the purpose
of computing ROFE.
E
A Supplementary Invoice shall be raised at the end of each Quarter
in an Accounting Year, for an amount equal to the difference
between the amount of ROFE determined on the basis of Base
Exchange Rate and the amount of ROFE as at the end of each
Quarter computed on the basis of the then prevailing exchange
F
rate. If the amount payable to the Company is determined to be
less, on account of foreign exchange variation than the amount
paid by the Board at the Base Exchange Rate, such difference
shall be re-paid to the Board within 14 days from the date of the
determination.
f)lnterest on Working Capital : G
The amount of working capital on the Allocated Capacity shall be
computed on the basis of annual estimated level of generation
adopting the following norms:
H
128 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A i) Fuel Cost for liquid fuels only for one month;
ii) Operation & Maintenance expenses (Cash) for one month;
iii) Maintenance Spares at actual but not exceeding one year's
requirement, less value of One Fifth of initial spares already
capitalized; and
B
iv) Receivable equivalent to two months' average billing for sale
of electricity.
The Interest on Working Capital shall be computed by applying
the rate of interest as applied by the Company's bankers or the
C Board's Bankers whichever is lower on the amount of working
capital computed above.
g) Base Foreign Debt Repayment Adjustment Amount:
In respect of the Foreign Debt, the amounts falling due for
repayment during the Accounting Year shall be first computed in
D the applicable foreign currencies and thereafter be converted to
Rupees by adopting the Base Exchange Rate. The difference
between the amounts of repayment determined as above and the
amount of repayment of Foreign Debt falling due during the
relevant Accounting Year and expressed in rupees adopting the
exchange rate as per the Financing Plan shall be included in the
E
Annual Fixed Charges.
A Supplementary Invoice shall be raised for an amount equal to
the difference between the amount ofrepayment on Foreign Debt
determined on the basis of Base Exchange Rate and the amount
of repayment on Foreign Debt as on the due dates of repayment
F
of Foreign Debt as per Financing Plan on the then prevailing
exchange rates. If the amount payable to the Company is
determined to be less on account of foreign exchange variation
than the amount paid by the Board at the Base Exchange Rate,
such difference shall be re-paid to the Board within 14 days from
G the date of the determination.
The amount of Annual Fixed Charges for the purposes of this
Agreement shall the aggregate of (a) to (g), but excluding the
amounts of supplementary Invoices under (a), (e) and (g) above.
For the purpose of monthly Invoice l I I 21h of the Annual Fixed
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 129
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
Charges will be claimed. A
The Invoice in each month shall further specify the number of
units of Active Energy and Deemed Generation expressed in K wh
achieved during such month and the cumulative Level of
Generation including Deemed Generation less Deemed Non-
Generation achieved upto end of such month. B
22. The agreement clearly contemplates the proportion of allocation
of a capacity. The EPL has to fuel and operate the generating station to
meet the requirement of electric output that can be generated
corresponding to the allocated capacity. The appellant has to pay annual
fixed cost as determined in terms of clause 7.1. I of Schedule VII of the c
Agreement. The Commission is thus, right in observing that once the
entire capacity has been allocated in two parts in a particular proportion,
the contention of the EPL that it could sell power to ESL beyond the
allocated capacity could not be accepted. The EPL was under obligation
as per Schedule VI to declare weekly schedule of the capacity available
and the dispatch instructions were to be issued on the basis of the said D
declaration. It could not thus be said that the EPL had no obligation to
declare the capacity and the obligation of GUVNL to issue dispatch
instructions was not dependent on declaration of the available capacity
by the EPL. Contrary view of the Tribunal is clearly erroneous. In
paras 45 and 46 and elsewhere in its judgment, the Tribunal erred in E
holding that there was no obligation to declare available capacity on
proportionate basis. The finding of the Commission in paras 9.5 to 9.12
of its order quoted above is the correct interpretation of the Agreement.
We hold accordingly.
Re: (ii): F
23. The Commission in this aspect observed:
"8.4 In the present case, the PPA was executed on 30.5.1996 and
remains operational for a period of twenty years. Under the terms
of the PPA, the generating company i.e. EPL is required to declare
availability and supply of electricity forthe entire duration of the G
PPA, while the Petitioner GUVNL has an obligation to purchase
electricity and pay the tariff in terms thereof. The dispute appears
to have arisen sometime in I 998-99, when the CAG Report for
the year 1998-99 rejected the contention of the Government that
H
130 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A there was no adverse financial impact as a result of diversion of
power. Thereafter, on or around I 0.2.2000, a meeting was
conducted with the GEB to discuss the issue of diversion. On
17.2.2000, EPL subject to certain conditions accepted that power
is required to be supplied on a 58:42 basis. Attempts were made
to renegotiate the PPA. By a letter dated 23.4.2002, GEB wrote
B
to EPL identifying certain key areas for negotiation of PPA. The
issue of allocation of power was also part of the agenda. Since
the issue of allocation of power could not be settled, GEB by its
letter dated 29.10.2003 raised a claim of Rs. 537 crores for the
period I. 7. 1996 to 31.3 .1999. EPL by its letters dated I. 11.2003
c and I. 12.2003 denied the claim ofGUVNL.
xxxx
9.10 Furthennore, in the letter dateci 17.02.2000, EPL categorically
agreed to the concept that power should be supplied in the ratio of
58:42 provided certain conditions are fulfilled. The conditions
D mentioned in the said letter will demonstrate thatthe each condition
is either in the nature of additional concessions I modification that
were sought by EPL or alleged defaults on the part of GUVNL,
which was not agreed to by GUVNL."
24. It is clear from the above that the letters of the respondent
E
acknowledged its liability to allocate the generated power to the appellant
and to the ESL in the ratio of 58 : 42. The Tribunal in para 54 quoted
above, held thatthe said letters could not be relied upon in suppo11 of the
claim that the appellant was entitled to be allocated generated power in
proportion of 58 : 42. This finding is clearly erroneous and is
F without any basis and is liable to be set aside. The finding of the
Commission is based on record.
Re :(iii):
25. In interpreting Schedule VI, the Commission held that the
G EPL was liable to declare weekly capacity available and on that basis
dispatch instructions were required to be issued (para 9 .6). The contrary
view taken by the Tribunal in para 45 and elsewhere is clearly contrary
to the agreement between the parties as reflected in Schedule VI quoted
above.
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 131
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
Re: (iv): A
26. The main basis of the order of the Tribunal in rejecting the
claim of the appellant is the finding that the respondent had no obligation
to allocate available power in the ratio of58: 42 under the terms of the
Agreement and in terms of correspondence between the parties. Apart
from this, the Tribunal held that the appellant had claimed Rs.64 crores 8
by way of full and final settlement (para 55) and that the appellant was
in default in not opening letter of credit and not paying Rs.519 crores. In
doing so, the Tribunal has ignored clear stipulation in the letter of the
appellant dated J3•h December, 2004 referred to in para 8.14 of the
Commission that the amount of Rs.64 crores was not accepted by way
of final se~lement. Similarly, the Tribunal has ignored the supplementary
c
agreement between the parties dated l 8'h December, 2003 followed by
letter dated 191h December, 2003 (page 337 and 341,Vol.V) under which
amount of Rs.289.40 crores was paid to the respondent by way of
settlement for the delayed payment charges and other heads. Thus, the
Tribunal was not justified in observing in para 75 that the appellant had D
defaulted in making payment of Rs.519 crores which was a breach of
promise on the part of the appellant, thereby absolving the respondent of
its obligation to supply power as per the agreement. Similar is the position
with regard to letter of credit referred in para 17 .6 of the order of the
Tribunal. We have been informed that these aspects have been gone
into by the State Commission in a subsequent dispute vide order dated E
22"d October, 2014 and Appeal No.2of2015 against the said order before
the Tribunal. We thus, make it clear that our observations may not be
treated as affecting the decision ofthe said appeal.
27. We thus, hold that the order of the Tribunal is erroneous. The
said order has given rise to the substantial question of law which has F
been discussed above, i.e., the interpretation of the Agreement between
the parties and the obligation of the respondent to declare availability of
generated power in the ratio of 58 : 42 and consequence of default
therein. The Tribunal erroneously held that there was no pleading for
making the claim. Thus, the Tribunal has committed error of law as well G
as of record in recording its finding as demonstrated above. It may also
be noted that the Commission has left actual working out of the loss to
be worked out separately and on that basis the appellant has already
filed its claim which was pending consideration before the Commission.
The said proceeding can now be revived in the light of our finding.
H
132 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2016] 5 S.C.R.
A 28. Accordingly, we allow this appeal, set aside the order of the
Tribunal and restore that of the Commission.
An Epilogue
29. Before we part with this judgment, it appears to be necessary
to draw attention of all concerned to a vital issue of composition and
B functioning of Tribunals and statutory framework thereof especially its
impact on working of this Court and in turn on the rule of law.
30. It is well known that in the wake of 42°d Amendment to the
Constitution of India, incorporating Article 323A and 323 B of the
Constitution under Part XIVA, various Tribunals have been set up. The
c Tribunals constitute alternative institutional mechanism for dispute
resolution. The declared objective of such Tribunals is inability of the
existing system of courts to cope up with the volume of work. This
Court has gone into the question of validity of scheme under which the
High Court is bypassed without the alternative institutional mechanism
D being equally effective for the access to justice which was necessary
component of rule oflaw and this Court being over burdened with routine
matters in several judgments to which reference may be made.
JI. In L Chandra Kumar Vs. Union of India 1, in the course of
considering the constitutional validity of exclusion ofjurisdiction of the
E High Courts in service matters against the orders of the Central
Administrative Tribunal, this Court observed that the manner in which
justice is dispensed with by the Tribunals left much to be desired. The
remedy of appeal to this Court from the order of the Tribunals was too
costly and inaccessible for it to be real and effective. Furthermore, the
result of providing such remedy was that the docket of this Court was
F crowded with decisions of the Tribunals and this Court was forced to
perform the role of a first appellate c.ourt. It was necessary that High
Courts are able to exercise judicial superintendence over decisions of
the Tribunals. With these observations th is Court directed that "all"
decisions of the Tribunals will be subject to High Court's writ jurisdiction
G under Article 226/227 2 • It was further observed that the then existing
position of direct appeal to this Court from orders ofTribunal will stand
modified 3 •
1
(1997) 3 sec 261
'Para 91 ·
'Para 92
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 133
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.)
32. In Madras Bar Association Vs. Union of India', the issue A
considered by this Court was validity of setting up of National Tax
Tribunals under the National Tax Tribunal Act, 2005. While striking
down the Act, this Court commented upon validity of various provisions
of the said Act. Section 5 of the Act which provided for sittings to be at
Delhi, it was observed that a litigant who may belong to a distant/remote
B
State, may have to travel a long distance and may find it difficult to
identify an advocate who will represent him. It was further observed
that while vesting jurisdiction in an alternative court/Tribunal, it was
imperative for the legislature to ensure that redress should be available
with the same convenience and expediency as it was prior to the
introduction of the newly created court/tribunal5. As regards Section 6 c
dealing with the qualification for appointment of a member, it was
observed that it was difficult to appreciate how non judicial members
could handle complicated questions of law which the Tribunal was
required to deal with6 • Further, composition of tribunals which were like
courts of first instance whose decisions are amenable to challenge under
D
Article 226/227 and which are subservient to jurisdiction of the High
Court stood on a different footing from the Tribunals whose appeals
were directly provided to Supreme Court. Such Tribunals were practically
substitute for the High Courts. Process of selection and appointment of
Chairperson and members of such Tribunals could not be different from
the manner of selection of the High Court Judges 7• E
33. The above resume oflaw laid down by this Court may call for
review of composition of Tribunals under the Electricity Act or other
corresponding statutes. Appeals to this Court on question of law or
substantial question oflaw show that Tribunals deal with such questions
or substantial questions. Direct appeals to this Court has the result of F
denial of access to the High Court. Such Tribunals thus become substitute
for High Courts without manner of appointment to such Tribunals being
the same as the mannerofappointment of High Court Judges. A perusal
of Sections I 13(b)(i) to (iii) and 113(3) read with Section 78, Sections 84,
85 and I 25 of the Electricity Act and corresponding provisions of similar
Acts may, thus, need a fresh look. G
34. It may also be noted that in some Tribunals (For example, the
'(2014) 10 sec 1
' Para 123
6
Para 126
7
Para 130 H
134 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A tribunal constituted under the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India
Act, 1997), the Tribunal exercises original jurisdiction to the exclusion of
all courts and is located only at Delhi 8 • It may further be noted that
nonnally tenure of office of the Chainnan and members is of short duration
of three to five years. Access to justice may not be, thus, available with
the convenience with which it is available when jurisdiction is with the
B
local civil courts sought to be substituted. Such provisions may need
review in larger public interest and for providing access to justice.
35. Apart from the above aspect, further question is wheth~r
providing appeals to this Court in routine, without there being issues of
general public importance, is not a serious obstruction to the effective
c working of this Court.
36. This issue has already been subject matter of debate. In an
Article by Shri T.R. Andhyarujina former Solicitor General oflndia, titled
"Restoring the Character and Stature of the Supreme Court of India9"
learned author states that it was necessary to restore the character and
D stature of the Supreme Court. The jurisdiction of the Supreme Court
should by and large be limited to matters of constitutional importance
and matters involving substantial questions of Jaw of general importance.
The Supreme Court oflndia, like apex Courts in other jurisdictions, was
not to be a final court to decide ordinary disputes between parties. The
E highest court has its unique assigned role. But after the year 1990, the
Supreme Court is losing its original character and becoming a general
court of appeal by entertaining and deciding cases which do not involve
important constitutional issues or issues of law of national importance.
The adverse effect of this trend is that matters of constitutional importance
are not getting the due priority and are pending for several years.
F Reference has been made to the Statement of Objects for amending the
Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956 in the year 2008, to the
effect that "it has not been possible for the Chief Justice of India to
constitute a five-judge Bench on a regular basis to hearthe cases involving
interpretation of constitutional Jaw as doing that would result in constitution
G ofless number of Division Benches which in turn would result in delay
in hearing of other civil and criminal cases". In spite of the said
amendment to increase strength ofjudges to 31, larger Benches to decide
constitutional and important cases have not been regularly functioning.
' Sections 14 and 15
H '(2013) 9 sec (J) 43
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 135
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
On account of increase in number of issues other than constitutional law A
or substantial questions of general importance, all the Benches are
engaged in handling the heavy routine work. The court rooms are so
crowded that it is hardly possible to enter a court room or to pass through
the corridors. "No other Supreme Court presents such an undignified
sight." Further reference has been made to functioning of other Supreme/
B
highest courts in the world to emphasize that the highest courts are
engaged in deciding cases of national importance by larger benches of
9/11 judges while the Supreme Court of India is deciding most of the
cases by Benches of two-judges, which has its own adverse implications.
Reference has also been made to the discussion between Sir B.N. Rau,
the Constitutional Advisor and Justice Frankfurter of the U.S. Supreme c
Court that the jurisdiction exercisable by the Supreme Court should be
exercised by Full Court. It is further stated that the highest court should
have limited number of cases and should not be overloaded. On an
average, in a year 80 cases are decided by Supreme Court of U.K., the
Canadian Supreme Court and the Australian High Court. 38 cases are
D
decided by Constitutional Court of South Africa in a year. Supreme
Court of India is deciding large number of cases and the reports in the
cases sometimes run upto 19 volumes in a year with only a few cases of
real constitutional or of national importance. In Australia there is no
appeal to the highest court as of right and the cases are entertained only
if they are of public importance. They are to resolve difference of E
opinion in different courts. This was necessary to preserve efficiency
and standing. Reference is also made to the expert opinion that no
litigant should get more than two chances in litigation. It is further stated
that "The Supreme Court of India must cease to be a mere court of
appeal to Iitigants and a daily mentor of the Government, if it is to preserve
F
its pristine character, dignity and stature comparable to the Supreme
Court in other jurisdictions." The Article ends with observation "This
requires a national debate by Judges, Lawyers, jurists and informed
public."
37. In Matltai alias Joby Vs. George 10 , this Court referred to
the R.K. Jain Memorial Lecture delivered on 30'11 January, 20 I 0 by Shri G
K.K. Venugopal, senior advocate to the effect that "an alarming state of
affairs has developed in this Court because this Court has gradually
converted itself into a mere court of appeal which has sought to correct
"'(20JO) 4 sec 358
H
136 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2016] 5 S.C.R.
A every error which it finds in the judgments of the High Courts of the
country as well as the vast number oftribunals 11 • The court has strayed
from its original character as a constitutional court and the apex court of
the country. Failure to hear and dispose of cases within reasonable time
erode confidence of the litigants in the apex court. Reference was
made to an Article by Justice K.K. Mathew to the effect that time,
B
attention and energy should be devoted to matters oflarger public concern.
Functioning of Supreme Court was not to remedy a particular litigant's
wrong, but consideration of cases involving principles of wide public or
governmental interest which ought to be authoritatively declared by the
final court. The docket of the court shou Id be kept down so that its
c volume did not preclude wise adjudication. The matter was referred for
consideration of the larger Bench for interpretation of Article 136. By
the time, the matter came up for consideration of the larger Bench on
l J 1h January, 2016, the SLP became infructuous as the suit in which the
impugned interim order was passed itself had been decided. This Court
while dismissing the SLP as infructuous observed that while Article 136
D could be used with circumspection but its scope could not be limited.
38. In Biflar Legal Support Society Vs. Chief Justice oflmlia 11,
it was observed that Supreme Court was not a regular court of appeal.
If an additional forum above the Tribunal was required to be set up, a
separate national court of appeal could be created. In this respect, the
E matter was also considered in 2291h Report of the Law Commission
submitted in August, 2009. However, that is a different issue particularly
when this aspect is being separately considered by a different Bench in
Writ Petition (C) No.36 of2016 titled V. Vasanthakumar Vs. Sri H.C.
Bhatia.
F 39. In Justice H.R. Khanna Memorial Lecture delivered on 81h
September, 2014 by Hon'ble Mr. Justice J. Chelameswar of this Court,
the topic was "the Supreme Court oflndia, its jurisdiction and problem
of arrears" 13 • It was stated that :
"The law declared by the Supreme Court in Hindustan
G Commercial Bank Ltd. v. Bhagwan Dass [AIR 1965 SC 1142}
was that normally a party should approach the Supreme Court
with a certificate of the High Court. Only in exceptional
circumstances would the Supreme Court relax that requirement,
11
Para 15
" ( 1986) 4 sec 767
H " (201 si 9 sec (J-1)
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 137
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
is simply ignored. The exception has become the rule now. A
The result is more and more unsuccessful people getting
encouraged to have another go at it by approaching the
Supreme Court. In most of the cases, what is sought is a simple
second or third .. guess on facts" or taking another plausible
view of the matter.
B
xxxx
Coming to matters where the rights and obligations of the
parties are purely founded upon a local law i.e. a law made
by the legislature of a State, etc., I do not see any harm befalling
the nation, if the judgment of the High Court is to become c
final. At least in these areas of litigation, the time worn cliche
.. we are not final because we are infallible, but we are
infallible only because we are final" might as well be extended
to the decisions of the High Courts which are equally
constitutional courts. "
D
40. While there may be no lack of legislative competence with
the Parliament to make provision for direct appeal to the Supreme Court
from orders of Tribunals but the legislative competence is not the only
parameter of constitutionality. It can hardly be gainsaid that routine
appeals to the highest court may result ·in obstruction of the Constitutional
role assigned to the highest court as observed above. This may affect E
the balance required to be maintained by the highest court of giving
priority to cases of national importance, for which larger Benches may
be required to be constituted. Routine direct appeals to the highest court
in commercial litigation affecting individual parties without there being
any issue of national importance may call for reconsideration at F
appropriate levels. Further question is composition of Tribunals as
substitutes for High Courts and exclusion ofHigh Court jurisdiction on
account of direct appeals to this Court. Apart from desirability,
constitutionality of such provisions may need to be gone into. We are,
however, not expressing any opinion on this aspect at this stage.
G
41. We are thus of the view that in the first instance the Law
Commission may look into the matter with the involvement of all the
stakeholders.
42. We make it clear that as far as heavy pendency in this Court
H
138 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [20 I 6] 5 S.C.R.
A on account of liberal exercise of jurisdiction under Article I 36 of the
Constitution oflndia is concerned, we do not wish to make any comment
as this is a matter in the discretion of the Court and it is for the Court to
address this issue. Our discussion is limited to the consideration of
desirability of providing statutory appeals directly to this Court from orders
of Tribunals on issues not affecting national or public interest and other
B
aspects of statutory framework in respect of Tribunals as discussed
above.
43. The questions which may be required to be examined by the
Law Commission are :
c Whether any changes in the statutory framework constituting
various Tribunals with regard to persons appointed, manner of
appointment, duration of appointment, etc. is necessary in the light
of judgment of this Court in Madras Bar Association (supra) or
on any other consideration from the point of view of strengthening
the rule oflaw?
D
II Whether it is permissible and advisable to provide appeals routinely
to this Court only on a question of law or substantial question of
law which is not of national or public importance without affecting
the constitutional role assigned to the Supreme Court having regard
to the desirability of decision being rendered within reasonable
E time?
III Whether direct statutory appeals to the Supreme Court bypassing
the High Courts from the orders of Tribunal affects access to
justice to litigants in remote areas of the country?
IV Whether it is desirable to exclude jurisdiction of all courts in
F
absence of equally effective alternative mechanism for access to
justice at grass root level as has been done in provisions ofTDSAT
Act (Sections 14 and 15).
V Any other incidental or connected issue which may be considered
appropriate'.
G
44. We request the Law Commission to give its report as far as
possible within one year. Thereafter the matter may be examined by
concerned authorities.
45. Action taken by the Central Government, after its consideration,
H
GUJARAT URJA VIKAS NIGAM LTD. v. ESSAR POWER 139
LIMITED [ADARSH KUMAR GOEL, J.]
may be placed on record. List the matter in November, 2017 before an A
appropriate Bench, preferably of three Judges to consider the above
issue.
Devika Gujral Appeal allowed with certain directions.
B
Search Indian case law
Ask in plain English, not just keywords. 25,000 AI words free, no card.
Try "Power Purchase Agreement"Sign in to search