Court raps Himachal govt on Brakel issue

A two-judge bench on Tuesday directed the state's chief secretary to file an affidavit within four weeks and clarify the government's stand.

The court was hearing the petition filed by Reliance Energy regarding the allotment of the 480 Mw Jangi-Thopan and 480 Mw Thopan Powari projects on the Sutlej river, which the state government allotted to Brakel as a single 960 Mw project.

 

The court said the status quo must be maintained till the state government made its position clear on the allotment of these projects.

The court also observed that since an affidavit was filed by the government supporting the allotment decision and asking for the dismissal of the Reliance petition, why was the court getting inquiries through vigilance and income tax officials.

During the Congress regime last year, Brakel Corporation had not deposited the upfront money with the state government and instead sought extensions, which were granted.

But soon after taking charge, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government issued notice to the company that the project would be cancelled unless it deposited upfront money of Rs 173 crore. The amount was deposited soon after.