HC tells BEST to settle power rate matter with Sobo Park Trust

Bombay High Court today asked the Brihanmumbai Electric Supply and Transport (BEST) to try resolving the dispute over electricity charges levied at commercial rates to the Trust maintaining Priyadarshini Park in South Mumbai.
A division bench of Justices V M Kanade and M S Sonak was hearing a petition filed by Malabar Hill Citizens Forum challenging the BEST's decision to levy commercial rates for electricity usage at Priyadarshini Park.
According to the petitioner, till June this year the park was charged at concessional rates for running a recreation place. However, from June they are being sent electricity bills on commercial rates.

"The Park is provided to several schools nearby to conduct their sports day practices. The schools are not charged any fee but a nominal amount is taken only to maintain the park and the sports complex," petitioner's counsel Janak Dwarkadas argued.
The bench then suggested both the parties to have a meeting and arrive at an amicable solution. "As it is, the city has very few open spaces now. In Malabar Hill the only public open space is the Hanging Gardens. Try resolving it or else they (park) may have to close the sports complex," Justice Kanade said.
While posting the matter for further hearing on December 24, the court directed BEST to not take any coercive step until then.

According to BEST, since June this year the park owes Rs 8 lakh towards electricity bills.