Allahabad High Court dismisses PIL against discom privatisation in Uttar Pradesh

The Allahabad High Court has dismissed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging the proposed privatisation of two electricity distribution companies in Uttar Pradesh. As reported by news agencies, the court ruled that the petition was based on assumptions and lacked supporting evidence.

The PIL, filed by Vijay Pratap Singh, opposed the privatisation of Dakshinanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (DVVNL) and Purvanchal Vidyut Vitran Nigam Ltd (PVVNL). The petitioner cited internal communications from Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) and alleged violations of legal procedures under the Companies Act, 2013.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Bhansali and Justice Kshitij Shailendra dismissed the case on 11 July. The court observed that the petition did not include any formal request for documentation from the respondents and lacked sufficient grounds to justify intervention. It added that the petitioner was free to pursue remedies available under the law.

The court also noted that a technical evaluation of bids for the privatisation process had already been conducted by a committee under UPPCL. No further evidence was presented to support the claims raised.

The petitioner had additionally sought directions for UPPCL and its subsidiaries to be managed professionally by appointing technically qualified individuals to their boards. The court did not find this sufficient to admit the PIL.