Haryana Government to Challenge Electricity Distribution Licence Decision for Gurugram and Nuh Before APTEL Within 5–6 Days: Energy Minister Anil Vij

New Delhi, October 21 – Haryana Energy Minister Anil Vij said that every problem could be resolved through dialogue and that his doors were always open for discussions. He further stated that the state government would challenge the decision to grant electricity distribution licences for Gurugram and Nuh before the Appellate Tribunal for Electricity (APTEL). The appeal would be filed within the next five to six days, although the prescribed time limit for filing an appeal is 45 days. He added that the government would also seek a stay on the decision, reiterating that it stood firmly with the electricity employees.

Vij was responding to questions from media representatives in Chandigarh regarding the proposed strike by the Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Sanyukt Sangarsh Morcha in protest against the grant of electricity distribution licences for Gurugram and Nuh.

He said that the Haryana Electricity Regulatory Commission (HERC) is an autonomous body established under the electricity law enacted by the Central Government. Any person can approach HERC and submit an application. Clarifying the state government’s position, Sh. Vij said that the government had neither invited applications nor sought proposals for privatisation. However, the central legislation permits any eligible party to apply to HERC for an electricity distribution licence.

He stated that a licence had been granted following an application, but the state government disagreed with the decision and had strongly opposed it. “The department has worked diligently on this matter. We engaged competent lawyers and presented our opposition firmly before the Commission. Now that HERC has ruled against the government’s position, we will approach APTEL and file an appeal,”Vij said. He emphasised that the government would also make every effort to obtain a stay on the decision.

The Energy Minister said that although the rules allow 45 days to file an appeal before APTEL, he had instructed the department to complete the process within five to six days. He reiterated that the government considered the order incorrect and would seek a stay against its implementation.

Responding to a question about meetings with representatives of the Haryana Electricity Employees and Engineers Sanyukt Sangarsh Morcha, Sh. Vij said that some union representatives had met him and that discussions had taken place. “I have told the union representatives that if they have any alternative proposal, they should put it forward, and we will consider that course of action. If they wish to engage their own lawyer, they are free to do so. However, it would be better if the union leaders worked together with our legal team to prepare the case,” he said.

Vij asserted that the government would fight the matter resolutely and pursue every available legal avenue. “We will first contest the matter before APTEL and, if necessary, take it to the Supreme Court. We stand firmly with the electricity employees and will continue this legal battle to the very end,” he said.

In response to another question regarding the proposed strike, Vij said that the employee leaders should take the government’s position into account. He pointed out that the government had made its intention to appeal clear from the outset. “If the government were refusing to challenge the decision, the employees would have grounds to consider a strike. However, we have already announced that we will file an appeal. Therefore, I believe the union leaders should recognise the steps being taken by the government,” he said.

Vij also clarified that Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini had been apprised of the entire situation and informed about the steps the government intended to take to challenge the decision and pursue the case. He reiterated that the government remained committed to protecting the interests of electricity employees and would continue to pursue the matter through the appropriate legal channels.