Karnataka HC Notice on OC Exemption for Power Connections
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
The Karnataka High Court has issued notices to the state government and other authorities on a PIL challenging the government's June 2026 order granting permanent electricity connections to buildings without occupancy certificates. This raises questions about the legality of regularizing unauthorized constructions and the separation of powers between the government and the electricity regulator.
Background
The state government issued an order on June 22, 2026, granting a one-time exemption from furnishing occupancy or completion certificates for certain buildings to obtain permanent electricity connections. The Supreme Court in 2024 had ruled that unauthorized constructions cannot be regularized merely due to lapse of time or investments made.
Key facts
Karnataka High Court issued notices to the state government, GBA, KERC, and five Escoms on a PIL challenging the OC/CC exemption for power connections.
The PIL was filed by Bengaluru resident R Rajagopalan.
The government order of June 22, 2026 allows permanent electricity connections to buildings with stilt parking and up to three floors on sites up to 2,400 sqft, with 20% deviation, without OC/CC.
The petitioner argues the order is arbitrary and circumvents the Supreme Court's 2024 judgment on unauthorized constructions.
The Supreme Court in 2024 held that illegal constructions must be demolished and cannot be regularized due to delay or investment.
The PIL contends the government exceeded its jurisdiction as electricity connections fall under KERC's regulatory domain.
The division bench comprised Chief Justice Vibhu Bakhru and Justice KS Hemalekha.
The court directed respondents to file objections and posted the matter for October hearing.
Prelims pointers
- Karnataka High Court
- Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA)
- Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)
- Electricity Supply Companies (Escoms)
- Occupancy Certificate (OC)
- Completion Certificate (CC)
- Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
- Supreme Court judgment 2024 on unauthorized constructions
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Separation of powers between executive and regulatory bodies; judicial review of executive orders.
- GS2 Governance: Urban governance and regularization of unauthorized constructions; role of PIL in accountability.
- GS3 Environment: Impact of unplanned urbanization on infrastructure and environment.
- GS3 Economy: Electricity distribution and regulatory framework under Electricity Act.