Bombay High Court Dismisses Petition Challenging Adani Power Contract, Imposes Rs 50,000 Fine

The Bombay High Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging a power supply contract awarded by the Maharashtra government to Adani Group, terming the plea “unsubstantiated and reckless.” The court imposed a cost of Rs 50,000 on the petitioner, Shriraj Nageshwar Aepurwar, for filing a vague petition.

A division bench of Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar noted the plea lacked evidence and risked undermining legitimate causes.

Aepurwar alleged the contract for supplying 6,600 MW of renewable and thermal power violated his fundamental right to fair electricity supply at reasonable rates. He also accused former Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, now Deputy CM, of corruption in awarding the contract.

The court rejected these claims, stating the petition contained no material to support allegations of corruption. The bench noted the petitioner was not a participant in the tender process, further undermining the validity of his challenge.

Court Labels Allegations Vague and Unsupported

The High Court criticized the petition for making “bald and vague allegations” without evidence. “Filing such unsubstantiated petitions runs the risk of good causes being lost,” the court remarked.

It directed Aepurwar to deposit Rs 50,000 with the Maharashtra State Legal Services Authority. The bench emphasized that serious allegations require robust supporting materials, which were absent in this case.

The ruling underscores the court’s stance on frivolous challenges involving large-scale contracts, particularly in the Adani power contract controversy.

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