The Newz Radar
SHIMLA: The final hearing on the matter concerning the return of Rs 280 crore with interest to M/s Adani Power Limited has been set for June 20.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Virender Singh presided over the appeals filed by the government and the Adani group against each other. The case revolves around the refund of funds deposited for the Jangi-Thopan-Powari power project.
Earlier, a Single Bench of the High Court had ordered the government to return the amount of Rs 280 crore, in accordance with the Cabinet’s decision on September 4, 2015. The Single Bench granted a two-month deadline for the refund. If the government fails to comply within the stipulated period, it will be liable to pay the amount along with 9 per cent interest per annum to the applicant company, M/s Adani Power Limited.
However, the government filed an appeal before the Division Bench, seeking a stay on the refund orders and contesting the Single Bench’s decision. The court, however, refused to grant a stay on the orders issued by the Single Bench and proceeded with the hearing.
The government faced a delay in filing the appeal, necessitating an application for condoning the delay. Despite the government’s plea for a stay on the refund orders, the court rejected the request. The legal battle between the government and Adani Power Limited revolves around a writ petition filed by the company, challenging a communication issued by the Special Secretary (Power) on December 7, 2017. The final hearing is scheduled for June 20 and it is expected to determine the outcome of the case and decide the fate of the disputed amount of Rs 280 crore.
