PIL filed at Patan HC for electricity arrears collection

Kathmandu, September 10 — A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed with the Patan High Court demanding immediate collection of fees for the use of dedicated and trunk lines.

On Tuesday, advocates Yagyamani Neupane, Kamal Prasad Pokharel, Tika Prasad Dhakal, and Deepak Adhikari submitted the writ. This legal action comes after discussions on the issue were halted by the Public Accounts Committee of Parliament.

The writ challenges the Council of Ministers and other authorities over illegal decisions, orders, and communications related to the non-payment of dues by industrialists, organizations, and individuals for using trunk lines and dedicated feeders from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). It requests that these decisions be annulled.

The writ seeks an injunction to stop all illegal activities and to ensure the immediate collection of arrears owed to the Nepal Electricity Authority. It also calls for legal action against those who refuse to pay.

The advocates argue that no other effective remedy exists and have turned to the High Court under Article 144 (1) and (2) of the Constitution of Nepal. They claim that the Council of Ministers' decision not to collect the outstanding fees is unjust and request its cancellation.

A dispute has arisen between the government and Kulman Ghishing, the executive director of the NEA. If the High Court issues an interim order, it could facilitate the recovery of the outstanding payments.