Electricity Act • Official Statutory Text & Practice Guide
Statutory Regulation
Legal Standard
Competent Court / Tribunal
Act 2003
Section 72 of Electricity Act: Electricity Supply & Regulatory Procedure
Official Bare Act Text
Override / Mandate Mens Rea (Intent) Actus Reus (Conduct) Punishment Limitation Monetary
The Chairperson and all other members of the Authority shall hold office during the pleasure of the Central Government.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 72
Section 72 of the Act provides for the appointment of officers, engineers, and staff of the Central Electricity Authority, enabling the institution to recruit elite technical cadres for national power grid engineering.
Specialized Engineering & Technical Staffing: Authorizes the Authority to employ certified electrical engineers, system analysts, and economists to discharge complex statutory functions.
Central Civil Services Framework: Governs terms and conditions of service in accordance with Central Government rules, ensuring high bureaucratic stability.
Empowerment to Engage External Consultants: Authorizes the CEA to engage specialized international consultants for mega-hydel, nuclear, and high-voltage DC (HVDC) transmission reviews.
Key Landmark Precedents:
PTC India Ltd. v. CERC (2010) 4 SCC 603: Supreme Court affirmed the technical competence of CEA engineering staff in formulating national grid codes.
Energy Watchdog v. CERC (2017) 14 SCC 80: Affirmed that technical evaluations by CEA specialists carry strong regulatory credibility.
Tata Power Co. Ltd. v. Reliance Energy Ltd. (2009) 16 SCC 659: Affirmed the administrative integrity of the Central Electricity Authority's technical cadre.
Courtroom Practice & Strategic Litigation Guidance:
When engaging with the CEA on mega-project clearances, direct technical representations to the specific specialized directorate (e.g., Thermal Project Appraisal or Hydro Engineering Design) to ensure direct technical evaluation by qualified officers.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 72
Section 72 of the Act provides for the appointment of officers, engineers, and staff of the Central Electricity Authority, enabling the institution to recruit elite technical cadres for national power grid engineering.
When engaging with the CEA on mega-project clearances, direct technical representations to the specific specialized directorate (e.g., Thermal Project Appraisal or Hydro Engineering Design) to ensure direct technical evaluation by qualified officers.