The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notices to the Union Government and the Uttar Pradesh Government on a public interest litigation seeking implementation of the 2024 guidelines on electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in residential housing societies. The Court posted the matter for hearing on April 13.
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi took cognisance of the difficulties faced by EV owners in residential complexes, particularly in installing private charging points in designated parking spaces.
At the outset, the Chief Justice expressed displeasure when counsel for the petitioner, Rachit Katyal, requested that his plea be tagged with similar pending matters.
“Why should we add one more to the list,” the CJI remarked, referring to what he described as the “mushrooming growth” of PIL petitioners.
The bench observed that some litigants rush to the Supreme Court after reading newspaper reports and file PILs without sufficient cause.
Despite the initial reluctance, the Court admitted the petition and issued notices to the Centre, the State of Uttar Pradesh, and the Secretary of Cushman and Wakefield Management Services India Pvt Ltd.
The petitioner, a resident of Greater Noida, approached the Court alleging that his housing society had prevented him from installing a private EV charging point in his allotted parking space, even though he had offered to bear the entire cost.
According to the plea, the residential complex has nearly 4,000 flats and around 56 electric vehicles but provides only two shared charging stations.
The petition states that this ratio is “grossly insufficient” and makes daily commuting and maintenance of EVs extremely difficult for residents.
The petitioner contended that the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of EV Charging Infrastructure, 2024, issued by the Ministry of Power, expressly permit residents to install private charging units in their designated parking spaces, subject to safety norms.
The plea seeks directions for effective implementation of these guidelines in housing societies and for removal of barriers faced by EV owners.
The matter will now be taken up on April 13.
