Authority: Supreme Court of India, Civil Appellate Jurisdiction
Order Date: 16 July 2026
Case Overview
- Civil Appeal No. 2640/2011 between M/s. Paras Ship Breakers Ltd (appellant) and Paschim Gujarat Vij Company Ltd (respondent) concerned whether the Electrical Inspector or the Chief Electrical Inspector is the appropriate appellate authority.
- During hearing both parties agreed that the Chief Electrical Inspector is the appellate authority, rendering the original issue moot.
- Separate SLP(C) Nos. 26692‑26695/2013 (arising from the same dispute) sought review of the Division Bench orders of the High Court. The parties consented to set aside those orders and remand the matter for fresh consideration.
- The Court directed that the Electricity Company shall not employ any coercive measures to recover dues under the Single Judge’s order.
- The Division Bench of the High Court was instructed to decide the Letter Patent Appeals (LPAs) within six months from the date of this order.
Final Outcome
- Civil Appeal No. 2640/2011 is disposed of; the issue on appellate authority is declared dead.
- Leave is granted in SLP(C) Nos. 26692‑26695/2013; the impugned High Court orders are set aside and the matters are remitted to the High Court Division Bench for fresh merit determination, with a six‑month deadline.
- All pending applications in both proceedings are ordered to stand disposed.
- The Electricity Company is prohibited from taking any coercive recovery action pending the fresh decision.
Topics: Legal Dispute, Court Order