HC Orders PSPCL to Restore Regular Power to Zirakpur Society

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has ordered Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) to ensure a regular electricity connection for the Sushma Valencia Apartment Owners Association in Zirakpur. The court’s directive comes after the association agreed to deposit ₹2 crore and install the requisite infrastructure, enabling PSPCL to issue a stable power supply, preferably within four weeks of the deposit.

The order was issued in response to a petition filed by the apartment owners, who had been experiencing intermittent power supply and frequent outages that disrupted daily life. The High Court noted that the association’s willingness to finance the necessary equipment and provide the financial guarantee demonstrated a cooperative approach to resolving the long‑standing utility issue.

PSPL, the state’s primary electricity distribution utility, will now be responsible for establishing a regular connection. The court emphasized that the four‑week timeline should be strictly adhered to, barring unforeseen technical challenges that would require an official review. The directive underscores the judiciary’s role in ensuring that public utilities meet their obligations to residents, especially in rapidly expanding suburban areas.

Zirakpur, a fast‑growing locality on the outskirts of Chandigarh, has seen a surge in residential development over the past decade. As more families move into areas like the Sushma Valencia complex, demand on the power grid has increased, leading to occasional supply gaps. The High Court’s intervention highlights the need for reliable electricity in supporting the everyday activities of residents, from household appliances to commercial operations within the society.

While the court’s order does not specify penalties for PSPCL if the timeline is missed, it does signal a willingness to monitor compliance closely. The association’s agreement to deposit the funds and install equipment places the onus on the utility to deliver the promised service, reinforcing a partnership model between civic bodies and service providers.

The decision also reflects broader concerns about the efficiency of power distribution in the region. Residents of several other colonies have previously raised similar grievances, often citing prolonged outages and lack of clear timelines for resolution. By setting a concrete deadline, the High Court aims to bring transparency and accountability to the process.

Legal experts suggest that the order could serve as a precedent for other similar petitions across the state, where citizens seek timely utility services. It may encourage authorities to adopt more proactive measures, such as pre‑emptive infrastructure upgrades, rather than waiting for litigation to prompt action.

In practical terms, the upcoming four‑week period will be critical for the Sushma Valencia Association. Residents are likely to monitor the situation closely, watching for any signs of delay or technical hurdles. Should PSPCL fail to meet the deadline, the court has indicated that further directives or remedial actions may follow, potentially including financial repercussions.

The ruling also reinforces the principle that public utilities must balance commercial considerations with the civic responsibility of providing uninterrupted service to consumers. As Zirakpur continues to develop, ensuring reliable power infrastructure will be essential to sustaining its growth trajectory and maintaining resident satisfaction.

Overall, the High Court’s directive marks a decisive step toward resolving the power supply uncertainty faced by the Sushma Valencia Apartment Owners Association, with PSPCL tasked to deliver a regular connection within a clearly defined timeframe.

Source: Hindustan Times