Karnataka HC notice to State on plea challenging OC waiver for electricity connections
The Karnataka High Court has issued a notice to the state government regarding a petition challenging the exemption of occupancy certificates for electricity connections. The petitioner argues that these exemptions violate a Supreme Court directive requiring such certificates for utility services.
Why it matters
This case highlights the tension between state-level administrative convenience and judicial mandates regarding urban planning and building safety standards.
The High Court of Karnataka on Friday ordered the issuance of notice to the State government on a PIL petition questioning the legality of recent Government Orders (GOs) that grant a one-time exemption from securing occupancy certificates (OCs) for obtaining permanent electricity connections.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice K.S. Hemalekha passed the order on the petition filed by Bengaluru-based R. Rajagopalan, a former corporate board advisor and an environmentalist.
The petitioner pointed out that a series of GOs were issued in June, granting exemptions from occupancy/completion certificates for securing permanent electricity connections.
Referring to the GO issued on June 22, the petitioner said it provides a 15-day window for owners of residential buildings up to G+3 floors or S+4 floors on sites up to 2,400 sq. ft. (with 20% deviation) to secure power connections without producing occupancy certificates.
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