The Supreme Court on Monday permitted the Delhi government to withdraw its petition relating to the appointment of chairperson and members of the Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission (DERC).
A bench comprising Chief Justice B.R. Gavai and Justices K. Vinod Chandran and N.V. Anjaria passed the order, noting the submission of the Delhi government’s counsel. “Counsel for the petitioner (Delhi government) has filed an application seeking withdrawal of this writ petition. Hence, the application for withdrawal is allowed. Consequently, the writ petition is disposed of as withdrawn,” the bench stated.
Appearing for the Delhi government, the counsel informed the court that the services of all existing pro tem members of the DERC will continue until regular appointments are made as per the law. The lawyer further assured the bench that the process of filling up the posts on a permanent basis will be completed expeditiously.
The petition was filed by the then AAP-led Delhi government in 2023, raising issues over the appointment process of DERC members. In November 2023, the apex court had constituted a three-member selection panel to recommend names for two pro tem members of the Commission to ensure continuity of its functioning.
With the withdrawal of the plea, the responsibility now rests on the Delhi government to expedite the regular appointment process for the DERC chairperson and members in accordance with statutory requirements.
