TUESDAY MAY 28: Distribution of electricity: Supreme Court summons chiefs of Pepco, NTDC

ISLAMABAD: Supreme Court of Pakistan has issued notices to Managing Directors (MDs) of Pakistan Electric Power Company (Pepco) and National Transmission and Dispatch Company (NTDC) to appear in person and submit a report about the distribution of electricity w.e.f 21.05.2013 onward, in view of the order dated 21.05.2013.
Notices were issued in pursuance of an office note carrying the details that the Court Order dated 21.05.2013 passed in HRC No 14392/2013 etc, wherein the Managing Directors, Pepco & NTDC assured the Court that arrangements have been made for the supply of furnace oil and as a result, the system has started generating electricity. Further, adequate steps will be taken in the near future for further increase in the generation capacity. The Court, based on this assurance as well as hearing of other parties in the case, had ordered as under: "However, we are of the opinion that whatever electricity is generated, it should be distributed equally amongst the consumers, both domestic and industrial, so no one can raise objection on the basis of discrimination.
However, notwithstanding the above order, reports of public protest/agitation are pouring in the print and electronic media in respect of prolonged hours/duration of load-shedding. It is obvious that the Pepco and NTDC have failed to comply with the above order of the Court." After going through the above note the Chief Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry passed the following order:
"Issue notice to MDs PEPCO & NTDC to appear in person and submit report about the distribution of electricity w.e.f 21.05.2013 onward, in view of the order dated 21.05.2013. However, if the said order has not been complied with the letter and spirit, explanation should also be furnished as to why the action, in accordance with the law, may not be initiated against the responsible functionaries. Put up in Court on 31.05.2013."