JOINT ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

FOR MANIPUR AND MIZORAM

AIZAWL ::: MIZORAM

N O T I F I C A T I O N

No.H.11019/1/08-JERC, dated 17^th June, 2010: Whereas it is expedient to establish procedures for a smooth conduct of business of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram; Now, therefore, in exercise of powers conferred by Section 181 and other provisions of the Electricity Act 2003 (36 of 2003) and all other powers enabling it in this behalf, and after previous publication, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the States of Manipur and Mizoram makes the following Regulations, namely:-

CHAPTER I

GENERAL

1 Short title, extent and Commencement-

(1) These Regulations may be called the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the States of Manipur & Mizoram (Conduct of Business) Regulations, 2010

(2)These Regulations extend to the whole of the States of Manipur and Mizoram and shall apply in relation to all matters falling within the jurisdiction of the Commission.

(3)These Regulations shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazettes of Manipur and Mizoram.

2 Definitions

(1) In these Regulations, unless the context otherwise requires-

(a) ‘Act’ means The Electricity Act 2003 (No. 36 of 2003);

(b) ‘Adjudication’ means the process of arriving at decisions on Petitions submitted to the Commission.

(d) ‘Commission’ means the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the States of Manipur & Mizoram constituted under Section 83 of the Electricity Act, 2003.

(e) ‘Consultant’ includes any person not in the employment of the Commission who may be appointed as such to assist the Commission on any matter required to be dealt with by the Commission under the Act.

(f) ‘Member’ means a member of the Commission

(g) ‘Officer’ means an officer of the Commission;

(h) ‘Petition’ shall include all petitions, complaints,

appeals, replies, rejoinder, supplemental pleadings and other papers and documents filed before the Commission;

(i) ‘Proceedings’ means and include proceedings of all

nature that the Commission may decide to initiate or hold in the discharge of its functions under the Act but any preliminary meeting or any action done by the Commission before such initiation shall not be a proceeding for the purposes of these Regulations;

(j) ‘Receiving Officer’ shall mean the officer designated by the Chairperson for receiving the Petition;

(k) ‘Regulations’ means the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the States of Manipur and Mizoram (Conduct of Business) Regulations 2010 as amended from time to time.

(l) ‘Secretary’ means the Secretary of the Commission.

(m) ‘State Government’ means the respective Government of the States of Manipur and Mizoram.

(2) Words or expressions occurring in these Regulations and not defined herein but defined in the Act shall bear the same meaning as in the Act.

3 Commission’s offices, office hours and sittings-

(1) The headquarters of the Commission shall be at Aizawl. Unless otherwise directed, the headquarters and other offices of the Commission shall be open daily except on Saturdays, Sundays and other holidays as may be notified by the Mizoram State Government from time to time.

(2)The headquarters and other offices of the Commission shall be open at such

times as the Commission may direct.

(3) Where the last day for doing of any act falls on a day on which the office of the

Commission is closed and by reason thereof, the act cannot be done on that day, it may be done on the next following day on which the office is open.

(4) The Commission may hold sittings for hearing matters related to Mizoram and

Manipur at Aizawl and Imphal respectively or at any other place within the States of Mizoram and Manipur on the day and time to be decided by the Commission.

4 Language of the Commission-

(1) The proceedings of the Commission shall be conducted in English, provided that the Commission may allow any person to plead and represent the case in Mizo for Mizoram and Manipuri for Manipur.

(2) No petition, documents or other matters contained in any language other than English shall be accepted by the Commission unless the same is accompanied by a translation thereof in English.

(3) Any translation which is agreed to by the parties to the proceedings or which any of the parties may furnish with an authenticity certificate of the person, who had translated to English, may be accepted by the Commission in an appropriate case as true translation of the petition, document etc.

(4) The Commission may in appropriate cases direct translation of any document relevant to the proceedings in English by an officer or person designated by the Commission for the purpose.

5 Seal of the Commission-

(1) There shall be a separate seal of the Commission.

(2) Every order, decision or communication made, notice issued or certified copy granted by the Commission shall be stamped with the seal of the Commission and shall be certified by the Secretary or any other Officer of the Commission designated for the purpose.

6 Officers and Staff of the Commission-

(1) Appointments

(a) The Commission shall have the power to appoint Secretary, officers and other employees for discharging various duties. It may also prescribe the qualifications, experience and other terms and conditions for the appointment of such officers and other employees in conformity with the procedure laid down in the Act.

(b) The Commission may appoint Consultants to assist the Commission in the discharge of its functions in conformity with the procedure laid down in the Act.

(2) Secretary-

(a) The Secretary shall be the Principal Officer of the Commission and shall exercise his powers and perform his duties under the control of the Chairperson.

(b) The Commission in discharge of its functions under the Act, may take such assistance from the Secretary as it may deem fit and the Secretary shall be bound to assist the Commission.

(3) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the above provisions, the Secretary shall have the following powers and perform the following duties, viz.:

(a) he shall have custody of the records and the seal of the Commission;

(b) receive petitions, applications and representations and to refuse to receive petitions, applications and representations found to be not in order due to specific infirmities including non payment of fees, and pass relevant orders thereon;

(c) he shall prepare or cause to be prepared briefs and summaries of all pleadings presented by various parties in each case before the Commission in the discharge of its function in this regard;

(d) he shall assist the Commission in the proceedings relating to the powers exercisable by the Commission;

(e) he shall authenticate the orders passed by the Commission;

(f) he shall ensure compliance of the orders passed by the Commission; and

(g) he shall have the right to collect from the Central Govt. or State Governments or other offices, companies and firms or any other party as may be directed by the Commission, such information as may be considered useful for the purpose of efficient discharge of the functions of the Commission under the Act and place the information before the Commission.

(h) make or cause to be made preliminary enquiry into any matter connected with the petitions, applications or representations received by him and to obtain necessary clarifications;

(i) draw and disburse salaries and other payments to be made by the Commission; and

(j) exercise administrative control over the officers and staff of the Commission and enforce discipline except for the two Chiefs of the Commission for whom the controlling officer will be the Chairman.

7 Delegation of Powers-

(1) The Commission may delegate to its officers such functions including functions that may be required by these Regulations to be exercised by the Secretary on terms and conditions the Commission may specify for the purpose.

(2) The Secretary may, with the approval of the Commission, delegate to any Officer of the Commission any function required by these Regulations or otherwise, to be exercised by the Secretary.

(3)In the absence of the Secretary, such other Officer of the Commission, as may be designated by the Chairperson, may exercise all the functions of the Secretary.

(4)The Commission shall, at all times have the authority, either on an application made by any interested or affected party or suo moto, to review, revoke, revise, modify, amend, alter or otherwise change any order made or action taken by the Secretary or the Officers of the Commission, if the Commission considers the same to be appropriate.

8 Authorized representative to appear before Commission-

(1) A person may appear himself or may authorize any of his employees to appear before the Commission and to act and plead on his behalf.

(2) A person may authorize an advocate or a member of any statutory professional body as the Commission may from time to time recognize for the purpose, to represent him and to act and plead on his behalf before the Commission.

(3) The Commission may from time to time decide the terms and conditions subject to which a person may authorize any other person to represent him and to act and plead on his behalf and the type of authorization to be provided to the Commission for the purpose.

(4) Notwithstanding anything in this Regulations 8, (1), (2) and (3) the Commission may allow any consumer group or association or any person duly authorized by such consumer group or association to appear in any proceeding before the Commission or to participate in any meeting as the Commission may consider it to be appropriate.

9 Participation of Consumer’s Associations-

(1) It shall be open to the Commission to permit any association/forum or other bodies corporate or any group of consumers to participate in any proceedings before the Commission on such terms and conditions, in regard to the nature and extent of participation, that the Commission may consider appropriate.

(2)It shall be open to the Commission for the sake of timely completion of proceedings, to direct grouping of associations/groups/forums referred to above for submission of respective petitions/affidavits collectively.

(3)The Commission may as and when considered appropriate notify a procedure for recognition of associations, groups, forums or bodies corporate as registered consumer’s associations for purposes of representing before the Commission.

(4)The Commission may appoint any officer or any other person to represent consumers’ interest if considered necessary.

(5)The Commission may direct payment to the officer or person appointed to represent consumers’ interest such as fees, costs and expenses by such of the parties in the proceedings as the Commission may consider appropriate.

CHAPTER - II

GENERAL RULES CONCERNING PROCEEDINGS BEFORE THE COMMISSION

10 Proceedings before the Commission-

(1)The Commission may from time to time hold such proceedings as it may consider appropriate in the discharge of its functions under the Act.

(2) The quorum for the proceedings of the Commission including any decision to be taken in any meeting shall be two.

(3) The Commission may appoint an Officer or any other person whom the Commission considers appropriate to participate and assist the Commission in the proceedings.

(4) All matters which the Commission is required under the Act to undertake and discharge through hearings shall be done through hearing in the manner specified under the Act and in these Regulations.

(5)Except where the Commission may provide otherwise for reasons to be recorded in writing, all matters affecting the rights or interests of the licensee or any other person or class of persons shall be undertaken and discharged through hearing in the manner specified in these regulations.

(6)The Commission may hold hearings in matters other than those specified in sub- the Commission considers it to be appropriate.

(7)The Commission may hold consultation with the parties or any one or more of them before deciding on the initiation of a proceeding in any matter.

11 Initiation of Proceedings-

(1) The Commission may initiate any proceeding suo motu or on a petition filed by any affected or interested person.

(2) When the Commission initiates the proceeding it shall be by a notice issued by the Office of the Commission and the Commission may give such orders or directions as may be deemed necessary, for service of notices to the affected or interested parties and for the filing of replies in opposition or in support of the petition in such form as the Commission may direct.

(3) The Commission may, if it considers it to be appropriate, issue orders for issue of public notice inviting comments from the interested persons on the issues involved in the proceedings in such form as the Commission may direct.

(4) While issuing the notice the Commission may, in suo moto proceedings and in other appropriate cases, designate an Officer of the Commission or any other person whom the Commission considers appropriate to present the matter in the capacity of a petitioner in the case.

12 Petitions before the Commission and fees payable-

(1) All petitions shall contain a clear and concise statement of the facts with material particulars, the relief sought and the applicable provisions of law and the basis for such relief.

(2) All petitions to be filed before the Commission shall be type written, cyclostyled or printed neatly and legibly on white paper and every page shall be consecutively numbered.

(3) All petitions shall be filed in four copies or such other number of copies if the Commission so directs and all such copies shall be complete in all respects and the Commission may in addition seek copies of the Petition to be filed in an electronic form, on such terms and conditions, as the Commission may direct.

(4) The contents of the petition shall be divided appropriately into separate paragraphs, which shall be numbered serially

(5) The petition shall be accompanied by such documents, supporting data and statements, as are relevant to the matters in issue in the petition.

(6)Every petition/application filed before the Commission shall be accompanied by fee in accordance with the provisions of .

13 General headings-

The general heading in all petitions before the Commission and in all notices including public notices shall be in the Form attached to these Regulations as Appendix 1.

14 Affidavit in support-

(1) All Petitions filed shall be verified by an affidavit and every such affidavit shall be in the Form attached to these Regulations as Appendix 2.

(2) Every affidavit shall be drawn up in the first person and shall state the full name, age, occupation and address of the deponent and the capacity in which he is signing and shall be signed and sworn before a person lawfully authorized to take and receive affidavits.

(3) Every affidavits shall clearly and separately indicate the statements, which are true to the –

(i) knowledge of the deponent;

(ii) information received by the deponent; and

(iii)belief of the deponent.

(4) Where any statement in affidavit is stated to be true to the information received by the deponent, the affidavit shall also disclose the source of the information and a statement that the deponent believes that information to be true.

(5) In accordance with Section 193 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, whoever intentionally gives false evidence in any of the proceedings of the Commission or fabricates false evidence for the purpose of being used in any of the proceedings shall be punishable with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years and shall also be liable to fine.

15 Presentation, Scrutiny and admission of the petitions-

(1) All petitions shall be presented in person or by any duly authorized agent to the Receiving Officer at the headquarters of the Commission during working hours on all working days or at such other place or places and during the time as may be notified by the Commission from time to time. The petition may in the alternate be sent by registered post with acknowledgment due to the Commission at the places mentioned above.

(2) The vakalatnama in favour of the Advocate and, in the event the petition is presented by the authorized agent or representative, the document authorizing the agent or representative shall be filed along with the petition.

(3)The presentation and the receipt of the petition shall be duly entered in the register maintained for the purpose by the Receiving Officer.

(4)Upon the receipt of the petition, the Receiving Officer shall acknowledge the receipt by stamping and endorsing the date on which the petition has been presented and shall issue an acknowledgment with stamp and date to the person filing the petition. In case the petition is received by registered post the date on which the petition is actually received at the office of Commission shall be taken as date of the presentation of the petition.

(5)The Receiving Officer may decline to receive any petition and if the petition has already been received may return the petition if the petition is not in conformity with the provisions of the Act or these Regulations or directions given by the Commission or is otherwise defective.

Provided however that no petition shall be refused for defect in the pleading or in its presentation, without an opportunity to the person filing the petition to rectify the defect within the time, which may be allowed for the purpose. The Receiving Officer shall advise in writing the person filing the petition of the defects in the petition and the time within which the defects should be rectified and the petition be presented again.

The Receiving Officer shall be entitled to reject the petition if the person filing the petition fails to rectify the defect within the time allowed under Clause (5).

(6) A party aggrieved by any order of the Receiving Officer in regard to the presentation of the petition may request the matter to be placed before the Secretary for appropriate orders.

(7) The Chairperson or any Member as the Chairperson may designate for the purpose, shall be entitled at any time to call for the petition presented by the party and give such directions regarding the presentation and acceptance of the petition as he considers appropriate.

(8) If on scrutiny, the petition is not refused or any order of refusal is modified by the Secretary or by the Chairperson or the Member designated for the purpose, the petition shall be duly registered and given a number in the manner directed by the Commission.

(9) As soon as the petition and all necessary documents are lodged and the defects and objections, if any, are removed and the petition has been scrutinized and numbered, the petition shall be placed before the Commission for admission.

Provided, however, that in the case of complaints of individual consumers, class of consumers or any consumer organizations, the Commission may, if it considers appropriate direct the return of the petition with the observation that the person filing the petition may refer the matter to the Forum for redressal of the grievances of the Consumers established for the purpose in terms of sub-section (5) of section 42 of the Act and the regulations specified by the Commission under the said provision

(10) The Commission may admit the petition for hearing without requiring the attendance of the party filing the petition. The Commission shall not pass an order refusing admission of the petition without giving the party concerned an opportunity of being heard. The Commission may, if it considers appropriate, issue notice to such person or persons as it may desire to hear on the petition for admission.

(11) If the Commission admits the petition, it may pass such orders or directions as may be considered necessary, for service of notices to the respondent and other affected or interested parties and for the filing of replies in opposition or in support of the petition in such form as the Commission may direct.

16 Service of notices and processes issued by the Commission-

(1) Any notice, process or summons to be issued by the Commission may be served by any one or more of the following modes as may be directed by the Commission:

(i) service by the party filing the petition;

(ii) by hand delivery through a messenger;

(iii) by registered post with acknowledgment due;

(iv) by publication in newspaper in cases where the Commission is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to serve the notices, processed etc, on any person in the manner mentioned above;

(v) in any other manner as considered appropriate by the Commission.

(2) Every notice or process required to be served on or delivered to any person may be sent to the person or his agent empowered to accept service at the address furnished by him for service or at the place where the person or his agent ordinarily resides or carried on business or personally works for gain.

(3) In the event any matter is pending before the Commission and the person to be served has authorized an agent or representative to appear for or represent him or her in the matter, such agent or representative shall be deemed to be duly empowered to take service of the notices or processed on behalf of the party concerned in all matters and the service on such agent or representative shall be taken as due service on the person to be served. It shall be the duty of such agent or representative to duly inform the person whom he represents of the service of the notices.

(4)Where a notice or process is served by a party to the proceedings either in person or through registered post, an affidavit or service shall be filed by such party with the Commission giving details of the proof of service.

(5) Where any petition is required to be published in newspapers it shall be done in the manner specified in Regulation 41.

(6) The Commission may also effect service or give directions for effecting service in any other manner it considers appropriate.

(7)The Commission shall be entitled to decide in each case the person(s) who shall bear the cost of service or publication of the notice or process.

(8)Save as otherwise provided in the Act or in these Regulations and subject to any direction which the Commission or the Secretary or the Officer designated for the purpose may issue, the Petitioner or any other person whom the Commission may make responsible, shall arrange for service or publication of notice or process required to be served or published.

(9)In default of compliance with the requirements of these Regulations or directions of the Commission as regards the service or publication of notice or process, the Commission may either dismiss the petition or give such other or further directions, as it thinks fit.

(10)No service or publication required to be done shall be deemed invalid by reason of any defect in the name or description of a person provided that the Commission is satisfied that such service is in other respect sufficient, and the person served will not be adversely affected by reason of such defect.

(11)No proceeding shall be invalidated by reason of any defect or irregularity in the service or publication unless the Commission, on an objection taken, is of the opinion that substantial injustice has been caused by such defect or irregularity.

17 Filing of reply, opposition, objections, etc-

(1) Each person to whom the notice of any petition or proceedings is issued (hereinafter called the respondent), who intends to oppose or support the petition shall file the reply and the documents relied upon within such period and in such number of copies as may be directed by the Commission.

(2) In the reply filed, the respondent shall specifically admit, deny or explain the facts stated in the petition and may also state such additional facts as he considers necessary for a just decision of the case.

(3) The reply shall be signed and verified and supported by affidavit in the same manner as in the case of the petition. The respondent shall also indicate whether he wishes to participate in the proceedings and be orally heard.

(4) The respondent shall before filing the reply, serve a copy of the reply along with the documents duly attested to be true copies on the petitioner or his authorized representative and file proof of such service with the office of the Commission at the time of filing the reply.

(5) Where the respondent states additional facts, the Commission may allow the petitioner to file a rejoinder to the reply filed by the respondent. The procedure mentioned above for filing of the reply shall apply mutatis mutandis to the filing of the rejoinder.

(6) Every person (other than the persons to whom notices, processes, etc. have been issued calling for reply) who intends to file objection or comments in regard to a matter pending before the Commission, pursuant to the public notice issued for the purpose shall deliver to the Receiving Officer the statement of the objection or comments with copies of the documents and evidence in support thereof within the time fixed for the purpose.

(7) The Commission may permit such person or persons as it may consider appropriate to participate in the proceedings before the Commission, if the Commission considers that the participation of such person or persons will facilitate the proceeding and the decision in the matter.

(8) Unless permitted by the Commission, the person filing objections or comments pursuant to the public notice shall not be entitled to participate in the proceedings. However, the Commission shall take into account the objections and comments filed after giving such opportunity to the petitioner and the respondents in the proceeding to deal with the objections and suggestions.

18 Hearing of the matter-

(1) The Commission may determine the stages, the manner, the place, the date and the time of the hearing of the matter as the Commission considers to be appropriate, consistent with such specific timing requirements as are set forth in the Act or otherwise the need to expeditiously decide the matter.

(2)The Commission may decide the matter on the pleadings of the parties or may call the parties to produce evidence by way of affidavit or lead oral evidence in the matter.

(3)If the Commission directs evidence of a party to be led by way of affidavit, the Commission may, as and when the Commission considers it to be necessary, allow the other party to cross-examine the deponent of the affidavit.

(4)The Commission may, if considered necessary or expedient, direct that the evidence of any of the parties be recorded by an Officer or person designated for the purpose by the Commission.

(5)The Commission may direct the parties to file written note of arguments or submissions in any proceeding before the Commission as the Commission considers it to be appropriate.

19 Further information, evidence etc.-

(1) The Commission may, at any time before passing orders on any matter, require the parties or any one or more of them or any other person whom the Commission considers appropriate, to produce such documentary or other material objects as evidence as the Commission may consider necessary for the purpose of enabling it to pass orders.

(2)The Commission may direct the summoning of the witnesses, the discovery and production of any document or other material objects producible in evidence, the requisition of any public record from any office, the examination by the Officer of the books, accounts or other documents or information in the custody or control of any person which the Commission considers relevant to the matter.

(3) The Commission may, if it considers appropriate, allow any of the parties or others specified in clause (1) or (2) above, to adduce such further documentary or other evidence in regard to evidence made available by any of the parties or other persons under the said sub-clauses.

(4) The Commission may, at any time, summon and enforce the attendance of any person and examine him on oath.

(5) The Commission may receive evidence by way of affidavit.

20 Reference of issues to others-

(1) At any stage of the proceedings, the Commission shall be entitled to refer such issue or issues in the matter as it considers appropriate to persons including, but not limited to, the Officers and consultants of the Commission whom the Commission considers as qualified to give expert or specialized advice or opinion.

(2) The Commission may nominate from time to time any person including, but not limited to, the Officers and consultants to visit any place or places for inspection and give a report on the existence or status of the place or any facilities therein.

(3)The Commission, if it thinks fit, may direct the parties to the proceedings to appear before the persons designated in clause (1) or (2) above to present their views on the issues or matters referred to.

(4)The report received from the person shall form a part of the record of the case and parties shall be given the copies of the report. The parties shall be entitled to file their version either in support or in opposition to the report.

(5)The Commission shall duly take into account the report given by the person and the replies filed by the parties while deciding the matter and if considered necessary, examine the person giving the report.

Provided that the Commission shall not be bound by the report given and shall be entitled to take such decision as it may consider to be appropriate.

21 Procedure to be followed where any party does not appear-

(1) Where, on the date fixed for hearing or any other date to which such hearing may be adjourned, if any party or his authorized agent or representative does not appear when the matter is called for hearing, the Commission may, in its discretion, postpone the hearing to another date or dismiss the petition for default when the petitioner or the person who moves the Commission for hearing is absent or proceed exparte to hear and decide the petition if the other party is absent.

(2)Where a petition is dismissed in default or decided exparte, the person aggrieved may file an application within 30 days from the date of such dismissal or being proceeded exparte, as the case may be, for an order to set it aside of the order passed, and the Commission may set aside the order on such terms as it thinks fit, if the Commission is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for the non-appearance of the person when the petition was called for hearing on the date of hearing under clause (1) above.

22 Order of the Commission:-

(1) The Commission shall pass orders on the petition and the Chairperson and the Members who heard the matter shall sign the orders.

(2)The reasons given by the Commission in support of the orders, including those by the dissenting member, if any, shall form a part of the order and shall be available for inspection and supply of copies in accordance with these Regulations.

(3)The Commission may from time to time pass such interim orders in any proceeding, hearing or matter before the Commission, as the Commission may consider it to be appropriate. The Commission may from time to time amend, vary or vacate the interim order earlier passed in the matter as the Commission may consider it to be appropriate.

(4)All orders and decisions issued or communicated by the Commission shall be certified by the Secretary or an Officer empowered in this behalf by the Chairperson or the Secretary and bear the official seal of the Commission.

(5) All final orders of the Commission shall be communicated to the parties in the proceeding under the signature of the Secretary or an Officer empowered in this behalf by the Chairperson or the Secretary.

23 Commission’s records-documentation, inspection, confidentiality and accessibility:-

(1) The Commission shall, as soon as may be practicable, maintain an indexed database of its records including, inter alia, Petitions filed, details of hearings conducted, orders/documents issued from time to time.

(2)(a) Subject to herein, records of the Commission shall be open to inspection by all, subject to the payment of the fee and complying with the terms as the Commission may direct.

(b) The Commission shall, on such terms and conditions as the Commission considers appropriate, provide for supply of certified copies of documents and papers available with the Commission to any person subject to the payment of fee and complying with the terms as the Commission may direct. The Commission shall designate an Officer for ensuring timely response to requests received for supply of certified copies of documents. Such Officer shall maintain a register of such requests made in the format at Appendix 5 herein and shall endeavour to dispatch the certified copies of documents requested for within a period of fourteen (14) working days from the date of receipt of request.

(c) The Commission may, by order, direct that any information, documents and papers / materials maintained by the Commission, shall be confidential or privileged and shall not be available for inspection or supply of certified copies, and the Commission may also direct that such document, papers, or materials shall not be used in any manner except as specifically authorized by the Commission.

(3)The Commission shall endeavour to make information involving public interest accessible and available to the public, including, inter alia, through its website and endeavour to facilitate meaningful public participation in matters involving public interest.

24 Confidentiality:-

(1) The Commission shall appraise and determine whether any document or evidence provided to it by any party and claimed by the party to be of a confidential nature merits being withheld from disclosure to other parties as being confidential and shall provide brief reasons in writing for arriving at its conclusion.

(2) If the Commission is of the view that the claim for confidentiality is justified the Commission may direct that the same be not provided to such parties as the Commission may deem fit. However, the party claiming the confidentiality shall provide a brief non-confidential summary of the substance of the documents found to be confidential and the import of the same.

(3) Notwithstanding the above, it shall be open to the Commission to take into consideration the contents of the documents found to be confidential in arriving at its decision.

25 Interim Orders:-

The Commission may pass such interim orders, as the Commission may consider appropriate at any stage of the proceedings.

CHAPTER-III

ARBITRATION OF DISPUTES

26 Arbitration-

(1) The adjudication or arbitration of disputes which under the Act are within the scope of the jurisdiction of the Commission may be commenced on an application made by any of the parties to the dispute.

(2) If the Commission shall issue notice to the concerned parties to show cause as to why the disputes between the parties should not be either adjudicated by the Commission or settled through arbitration.

27 Nomination of Arbitrators-

(1)The Commission may, after hearing the parties to whom notices have been issued and if satisfied that no reason or cause has been shown against the request for adjudication or for arbitration, pass an order directing that the disputes shall be adjudicated by the Commission or that the Commission shall refer the matter to arbitration of a person or persons to be nominated by the Commission.

(2) If the Commission decides to refer the matter to arbitration the Commission shall decide whether the reference shall be to a sole arbitrator or to a penal of arbitrators in such number as the Commission may decide and also the manner of appointment of the sole arbitrator or the panel of arbitrators, as the case may be:

(3) If any arbitrator appointed fails or neglects to act or continue as arbitrator, the Commission shall be entitled to appoint any other person in his place in the same manner as provided in clause (2) above.

(4) The Commission shall not nominate a person as arbitrator to whom any of the parties to the arbitration has a reasonable objection on grounds of possible bias or similar such reasons and the Commission consider the apprehension to be justified.

28 Procedure for adjudication, settlement and passing of award-

(1) In case the Commission decides to adjudicate the matter raised by the parties, the procedure to be followed shall be as far as possible the same as in the case of hearing before the Commission provided in Chapter II above and the order of the Commission shall be adjudication by the Commission and not an award in arbitration.

(2) In case the Commission nominates an arbitrator or arbitrators to settle the disputes, the arbitrator or arbitrators may follow specific directions issued by the Commission and also such procedure as they may consider appropriate, consistent with the principles of natural justice and fair opportunity to be given to the parties to arbitration.

(3) The arbitrator or arbitrators, as the case may be shall, after hearing the parties pass an award giving reasons for the decision on all issues arising for decision and forward the award with relevant documents to the Commission within such time as the Commission may direct.

(4) The award made by the arbitrators shall be an award under the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996.

(5) The cost of the arbitration including the preliminary and Adjudicatory proceedings before the Commission shall be borne by such parties and in such sums as the Commission may direct.

CHAPTER-IV

INVESTIGATION, INQUIRY, COLLECTION OF INFORMATION, ETC.

29 Orders/Directions by the Commission-

(1) The Commission may make such order or orders as it thinks fit for collection of information, inquiry, investigation, entry, search, seizure, and without prejudice to the generality of its powers in regard to the following-

(a) The Commission may, at any time, direct the Secretary or any one or more Officers or consultants or any other person as the Commission considers appropriate to study, investigate or furnish information with respect to any matter within the purview of the Commission under the Act.

(b) The Commission may for the above give such other directions as it may deem fit and specify the time within which the report is to be submitted or information furnished.

(c) The Commission may issue or authorize the Secretary or an Officer to issue directions to any person to produce before it and allow to be examined and kept by an Officer of the Commission specified in this behalf the books, accounts, etc. or to furnish information to the specified officer.

(d) The Commission may, for the purpose of collecting any information, particulars or documents which the Commission considers necessary in connection with the discharge of its functions under the Act, issue such directions as may be considered necessary.

(e) If any such report or information obtained appears to the Commission to be insufficient or inadequate, the Commission or the Secretary or an Officer authorized for the purpose may give directions for further inquiry, report and furnishing of information.

(f) The Commission may direct such incidental, consequential and supplemental matters be attended to which may be considered relevant in connection with the above.

(2) In connection with the discharge of the functions under clause (1) above, the Commission may, if it thinks fit, direct a notice of inquiry to be issued and proceed with the matter in a manner provided under Chapter II of these Regulations.

(3) If the report or information obtained in terms of the above Regulations or any part thereof is proposed to be relied upon by the Commission for forming its opinion or view in any Proceedings, the parties to the Proceedings shall be given a reasonable opportunity for filing objections and making submissions on the report or information.

30 Assistance of Experts-

The Commission may, at any time, take the assistance of any institution, consultants, experts, engineers, chartered accountants, advocates, surveyors and such other technical and professional persons, as it may consider necessary, and authorize them to study, investigate, inquire into any matter or issue and submit report or reports or furnish any information. The Commission may determine the terms and conditions for engagement of such professionals.

CHAPTER-V

FEES AND FINES, charges

31 Fees on applications or petitions-

(1) Every petition, application or complaint made to the Commission shall be made by payment of the appropriate fees specified in the Schedule to these regulations. Provided that no fee is payable on filing of objections or replies in response to a filed petition or application.

(2) The fees payable under these regulations shall be paid by means of bank draft or pay order, drawn in favour of the Secretary, Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for Manipur and Mizoram payable at Aizawl.

32 Fees payable on license-

(1) The Commission may while granting a license or an Exemption to undertake the business of transmission or supply of electricity including bulk supply of electricity or any other order granting any privilege to any person may specify the fee payable at the time of the grant of license or privilege and thereafter on an annual or such periodic basis as the Commission may specify in the order granting license or privilege or in a separate order that may be passed by the Commission.

(2) The existing licensee or exempt holder shall pay; the annual fee for the financial year 2010-11 onwards as decided by the Commission as per Guidelines of the Government.

(3) The fees payable for grant of license or exemption, shall be as decided by the Commission as per Guidelines of the Government.

(4) The fees shall be payable and the amount shall be deposited in the same manner as specified in regulation 31.

33 Fines and Charges-

(1) The Commission may initiate a proceeding for imposition of fees, fines and charges and award of compensation upon receiving a complaint or on its own if the Commission is of the view that the facts made known prima-facie constitute non-compliance or violation by a generating company, a licensee or other person of any provision or requirement of the Act or of any of the rules or regulations framed there under or of directions or orders of the Commission.

(2) If the Commission decides on the basis of the information received that there is a prima-facie cause to proceed in the matter, a case shall be registered and notice shall be issued to the person responsible for non compliance or violation under sub-clause (1) above to show cause within a reasonable time as to why the Commission should not impose the fines or charges on him. The notice shall state the substance of the allegation against such person with specific reference to the alleged non-compliance or violation.

(3) On the date fixed in the notice for appearance, the Commission shall explain to the person responsible for non compliance or violation or his authorized representative, the nature of non-compliance or violation committed by such person.

(4) Where the person responsible for non compliance or violation appears in response to the notice and admits the truth of the allegation by a memorandum in writing, the Commission shall record the response and may impose such fines or charges as the Commission may consider appropriate in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations framed by the Commission for the purpose and may also award compensation to the affected person.

(5) Where the person responsible for non compliance or violation on appearance does not admit the alleged violation or non-compliance and demands a hearing, the Commission shall proceed to hear the case in accordance with the provisions of the Act and these regulations.

(6) If any person to whom a notice has been issued fails without reasonable cause to appear before the Commission on the date fixed for hearing or any subsequent date to which the proceeding may have been adjourned, the Commission may at its discretion proceed with the case ex parte in the absence of such person.

(7) The Commission shall proceed to hear the complainant and take such evidence, oral or documentary, or by way of affidavit, as may be produced in support of the case and take all such evidence as may be produced by the complainant or the person responsible for non-compliance or violation in his defense. Where the proceeding has been initiated upon information received by the Commission, it may direct any of its officers to act as complainant in the matter and present the evidence in the case.

(8) The Commission, at any stage of the proceeding, shall have the power to summon and enforce the attendance of any person who appears to be acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to give evidence or to produce any document which in the opinion of the Commission appears to be material or relevant to the subject matter of the proceeding.

34 Process for levy and recovery of Fines and Charges-

(1) If on the conclusion of any proceeding under Regulation 33, the Commission is satisfied that a person is liable to fines or charges, it may by order in writing impose such fines or charges in accordance with the provisions of the Act and the Regulations specified for the purpose and may also award compensation.

(2) While determining the quantum of fines or charges, the Commission shall, amongst other, consider the following factors;

(a) the nature and extent of non-compliance or violation,

(b) wrongful gain or unfair advantage derived as a result of the non-compliance or violation

(d) the repetitive nature of the non-compliance or violation.

(3) While passing an order under these regulations, the Commission may award compensation to the complainant or affected party to be paid by the person found to be guilty of non-compliance or violation.

(4) The Commission may direct the time within which the fines, charges or compensation should be paid by the concerned person.

(5) Unless otherwise varied by special order, the fines, charges or compensation ordered by the Commission under Regulations 33 shall be paid within 30 days of the order of the Commission imposing the fine, charge, or compensation or within such extended date as allowed by the Commission.

(6) The fine or charge shall be payable and the amount deposited in the same manner as provided under Regulation 31 of these regulations.

35 Withdrawal and Disposal of Complaint-

(1) If a complainant, at any time before a final order is passed in any proceedings satisfies the Commission that there are sufficient grounds for permitting him to withdraw his complaint against the respondent named in the complaint, or if there be more than one respondent, against all or any of them, the Commission may permit the complainant to withdraw the same.

(2) If the Commission, is of the opinion that it will not be appropriate to allow the withdrawal of the complaint, the Commission may make orders for the proceedings in the complaint being continued by such other person in the place of the complainant and in such manner as the Commission may consider appropriate.

(3) Where the Commission is of the opinion that the continuance of the proceeding under these regulations is unnecessary or is an abuse of the process, it may at any state, terminate the proceeding for reasons to be recorded in writing.

36 Amendment of Regulations-

The Commission shall be entitled from time to time to add, amend, alter or vary the amounts of fees payable as provided in the Schedule to these regulations by an order to be made by the Commission.

CHAPTER -VI

APPLICATIONS OF CERTAIN PROVISIONS OF INDIAN PENAL CODE AND CRIMINAL PROCEDURE CODE

37 Applicability of provisions of Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code-

(1) In terms of section 94 of the Electricity Act, the proceedings before the Commission shall be deemed to be judicial proceedings and Commission shall be deemed to be a Civil Court as specified in the said Section read with applicable provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the code of Criminal Procedure 1973.

(2) The extracts of the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code are contained in Appendix 3 to these regulations.

CHAPTER -VII

MISCELLANEOUS

38 Review of the decisions, directions and orders-

(1) Any person aggrieved by a decision or order of the Commission, from which no appeal is preferred or allowed, and who, from the discovery of new and important matter or evidence which, after the exercise of due diligence was not within his knowledge or could not be produced by him at the time when the decision/order was passed by the Commission or on account of some mistake or error apparent from the face of record, or for any other sufficient reason, may apply for review of such order within 60 days of the date of decision/order of the Commission.

(2) An application for review shall be filed in the same manner as a petition under Chapter II of these regulations.

(3) When it appears to the Commission that there is no sufficient ground for review, the Commission shall reject such review application.

(4) The application for review shall be accompanied by such fee as maybe specified by Commission.

(5) When the Commission is of the opinion that the review application should be granted, it shall grant the same provided that no such application will be granted without previous notice to the opposite side or party to enable him to appear and to be heard in support of the decision or order, the review of which is applied for.

39 Continuance of proceedings after death, etc-

(1) Where in any Proceedings any of the parties to the Proceedings dies or is adjudicated as an insolvent or in the case of a Company under liquidation/winding up, the Proceedings shall continue with the successors-in-interest, the executor, administrator, receiver, liquidator or other legal representative of the party concerned.

(2) The Commission may, for reasons to be recorded, treat the Proceedings as abated, in case the Commission so directs, and dispense with the need to bring the successors-in-interest, etc. on the record of the case.

(3) In case any person wishes to bring on record the successors-in-interest, etc. the application for the purpose shall be filed within 90 days from the event requiring the successors-in-interest to come on record.

40 Proceedings to be open to public-

The proceedings before the Commission shall be open to the public subject to availability of sitting accommodation.

Provided that the Commission may, if it thinks fit, and for reasons to be recorded in writing, order at any stage of the proceedings of a case that the public generally or any particular person or group of persons shall not have access to or be or remain in, the room or building used by the Commission for the purpose of conduct of the proceeding.

41 Publication of petition-

(1) Where any application, petition, or other matter is required to be published under the Act or these Regulations or as per the directions of the Commission, it shall, unless the Act or these Regulations otherwise provide, be advertised within such time as the Commission may direct and in the absence of any specific direction to the contrary not less than 10 days before the date fixed for hearing and further unless otherwise directed by the Commission such publication shall be done in local newspapers one each in English and local language having circulation in the area concerned.

(2) Except as otherwise provided, such advertisements shall give a heading describing the subject matter in brief.

(3) Such advertisement to be published shall be approved by the Officer of the Commission designated for the purpose.

42 Issue of orders and practice directions-

Subject to the provisions of the Act and these regulations, the Commission may, from time to time, issue orders and practice directions in regard to the implementation of the Regulations and procedure to be followed on various matters which the Commission has been empowered by these regulations to lay down.

43 Saving of inherent power of the Commission-

(1) Nothing in these regulations shall be deemed to limit or otherwise affect the inherent power of the Commission to make such orders as may be necessary for meeting the ends of justice or to prevent the abuse of the process of the Commission.

(2) Nothing in these regulations shall bar the Commission from adopting a procedure, which is at variance with any of the provisions of these regulations, if the Commission, in view of the special circumstances of a matter or class of matters and for reasons to be recorded in writing deems it necessary or expedient.

(3) Nothing in these regulations shall, expressly or impliedly, bar the Commission to deal with any matter or exercise any power under the Act for which no Regulations have been framed, and the Commission may deal with such matters and exercise powers and functions in a manner it thinks fit.

44 General power to review and rectify-

(1) The Commission may on its own motion review any decision, direction or orders and pass such appropriate orders as the Commission thinks fit.

(2) The Commission may, at any time rectify any defect or error in any proceeding before it.

45 Power to remove difficulties-

If any difficulty arises in giving effect to any of the provisions of these regulations, the Commission may, by general or special order, do anything not being inconsistent with the provisions of the Act which appears to it to be necessary or expedient for the purpose of removing the difficulties.

46 Power to dispense with the requirement of the Regulations-

The Commission shall have the power, for reasons to be recorded in writing and with notice to the affected parties to dispense with the requirements of any of the Regulations in a specific case or cases subject to such terms and conditions as may be directed by the Commission.

47 Extension or abridgment of time allowed-

Subject to the provisions of the Act, the time allowed by these regulations or by order of the Commission for doing any act may be extended by order of the Commission.

48 Effect of non-compliance-

The failure to comply with any requirement of these regulations shall not invalidate any proceeding merely by reason of such failure unless the Commission is of the view that such failure has resulted in miscarriage of justice.

49 Costs-

(1) Subject to such conditions and limitations as may be directed by the Commission, the cost of all proceedings shall be awarded at the discretion of the Commission and the Commission shall have powers to determine by whom or out of what funds and to what extent such costs are to be paid and give all necessary directions for the aforesaid purposes.

(2) The costs shall be paid within 30 days from the date of the order or within such time as the Commission may, by order, direct. The order of the Commission awarding costs shall be executed in the same manner as the decree or order of a Civil Court.

50 Enforcement of orders passed by the Commission-

The Secretary shall have the powers to enforce the compliance of the orders passed by the Commission, by the persons concerned in accordance with the provisions of the Act and these regulations.

51 Repeal and Saving-

(1)Save as otherwise provided in these Regulations, the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission for the States of Manipur & Mizoram (Conduct of Business) Regulations 2008 is hereby repealed.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal, all proceedings and actions taken and orders passed by the Commission or by any authority or Committee under the Regulations or the Orders so repealed, exercising or purporting to exercise jurisdiction under such Regulations or Orders shall be deemed to be as good and valid in law as if it has been so taken and made under the relevant provisions of this Regulations or the Order, as the case may be.

By order of the Commission

Sd/- RICHARD ZOTHANKIMA

Assistant Secretary,

Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission

For the States of Manipur and Mizoram

APPENDIX -1

FORM-I

(See Regulation 13)

General Heading for Proceedings

BEFORE THE JOINT ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION FOR THE STATES OF MANIPUR AND MIZORAM, AIZAWL

FILE NO.

CASE NO.

(To be filled by the Office)

IN THE MATTER OF :

(Gist of the purpose of the petition or application)

AND

IN THE MATTER OF :

(Names and full addresses of the petitioners/applicants and names and full addresses of the respondents)

APPENDIX – 2

FORM 2

(See Regulation 14)

BEFORE THE JOINT ELECTRICITY REGULATORY COMMISSION

FOR THE STATES OF MANIPUR AND MIZORAM, AIZAWL

FILE NO.

CASE NO. (To be filled by the Office)

IN THE MATTER OF : (Gist of the purpose of the petition or application)

and

IN THE MATTER OF :

(Names and full addresses of the petitioners/applicants and names and full addresses of the respondents)

Affidavit

I, son of ………………………… aged ………………………residing at ………………………… do hereby solemnly affirm and state as follows:

1.I am a Director / Secretary / …………………………………………… of …………………………… Ltd., the petitioner in the above matter and am duly authorized by the said petitioner to make this affidavit on its behalf.

Note: This paragraph is to be included in cases where the petitioner is the Company.

2. The statements made in paragraphs ………………………….. of the petition herein now shown to me and marked with the letter ‘A’ are true to my knowledge and the statements made in paragraphs …… …. …… ……. ………………………. are based on information received from …………… (based on the records of ………. ) and I believe them to be true.

Deponent

Verification:

I, the deponent above named do hereby verify that the contents of my above affidavit are true to my knowledge; no part of it is false and nothing material has been concealed therefrom

Verified at ……….. on the day of …………….

Place: Aizawl

Deponent

APPENDIX – 3

Applicability of provisions of Indian Penal Code and Criminal Procedure Code

(See Regulation 37)

(i) Section 193. (of Indian Penal Code)

Punishment for false evidence:-

Whoever intentionally gives false evidence in any stage of a judicial proceeding, or fabricates false evidence for the purpose of being used in any stage of judicial proceeding, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and shall also be liable to fine;

And whoever intentionally gives or fabricates false evidence in any other case, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, and shall also be liable to fine.

Explanation 1. A trial before a Court-martial ^a [ * * * ] is a judicial proceeding.

Explanation 2. An investigation directed by law preliminary to a proceeding before a Court of Justice, is a stage of a judicial proceeding, though that investigation may not take place before a Court of Justice.

(ii) Section 219. (of Indian Penal Code)

Public servant in judicial proceeding corruptly making report, etc., contrary to law:-

Whoever, being a public servant, corruptly or maliciously makes or pronounces in any stage of a judicial proceeding, any report, order, verdict, or decision which he knows to be contrary to law, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, or with fine, or with both.

(iii) Section 228. (of Indian Penal Code)

Intentional insult or interruption to public servant sitting in judicial proceeding:-

Whoever intentionally offers any insult, or causes by interruption to any public servant, while such public servant is sitting in any stage of a judicial proceeding, shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees, or with both.

(iv) Section 345. (of Code of Criminal Procedure)

Procedure in certain cases of contempt:-

(a)When any such offence as is described in Section 175, Section 178, Section 179, Section 180 or Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860) is committed in the view or presence of any civil, criminal or revenue Court, the Court may cause the offender to be detained in custody and may, at any time before the rising of the Court on the same day, take cognizance of the offence and, after giving the offender a reasonable opportunity of showing cause why they should not be punished under this section, sentence the offender to fine not exceeding two hundred rupees, and, in default of payment of fine, to simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to one month, unless such fine be sooner paid.

(b)In every such case the Commission shall record the facts constituting the offence, with the statement (if any) made by the offender, as well as the finding and sentences.

(c)If the offence is under Section 228 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860), the record shall show the nature and stage of the judicial proceeding in which the Court interrupted or insulted was sitting, and the nature of the interruption or insult.

(v) Section 346. (of Code of Criminal Procedure)

Procedure where Court considers that case should not be dealt with under Section 345:-

(a)If the Court in any case considers that a person accused of any of the offences referred to in Section 345 and committed in its view of presence should be imprisoned otherwise than in default of payment of fine, or that a fine exceeding two hundred rupees should be imposed upon him, or such Court is for any other reason of opinion that the case should not be disposed of under Section 3345, such Court, after recording the facts constituting the offence and the statement of the accused as hereinbefore provided, may forward the case to a Magistrate having jurisdiction to try the same, and may require security to be given for the appearance of such person before such Magistrate, or if sufficient security is not given shall forward such person in custody to such Magistrate.

APPENDIX – 4

SCHEDULE OF FEES

Sl. No	Nature of petition / application etc.	Fees
1.0	Petition for determination of tariff	Rs. 5.0 (Rupees Five Lakhs)
2.0	Petition/Application for review of tariff order	50% of the above as the case may be
3.0	Petition/Application for approval of Power Purchase or procurement process.	Rs. 2,00,000/- per 20.0 MW (Rupees Two Lakhs per twenty MW)
4.0	Petition/Application for review for approval of Power Purchase agreement or procurement process.	Rs. 1,00,000/- (Rupees One Lakhs)
5.0	Request for inspection on documents permitted to be inspected	Rs. 200/- per day or part thereof (Rupees Two hundred)
6.0	Request for obtaining certified copies as may be permitted.	Rs. 2/- per page of copy allowed Plus Rs. 10.00 as Application Fee
7.0	Application for rectification or order on ground of the typographical or clerical error/mistake	Rs. 100/- (Rupees One Hundred)
8.0	Complaint against the working of a utility by the end user / consumer	Rs. 25/- (Rupees Twenty Five)
9.0	Miscellaneous application i.e. applications not covered by any other listed category	Rs.100/-(Rupees one hundred)
10.0	Fines/Penalties for non-compliance or violation of the Act or orders/directives passed by the Commission	May be levied up to Rs.1,00,000/- and additionally a daily fine up to Rs. 6,000/- for continuing non-compliance or violation