The Tribune: Chandigarh: Wednesday, July 26, 2017.
The High
Court today took on record an additional affidavit containing detailed
information received under the RTI Act. The petitioner, HC Arora, claimed that
the information indicated that Rana Sugars allegedly earned Rs202 crore from
the PSPCL through sale of power.
The Bench was
also told that Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh was a
shareholder in three more power-producing companies. It was added that all four
power-producing companies, including Rana Sugars Limited, were operating from
the same premises in Chandigarh.
The
development took place on a petition filed in public interest by Arora. He was
seeking issuance of appropriate directions to the CM to divest Rana Gurjit of
the portfolio due to conflict of interest.
The Division
Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Amit Rawal directed that the
additional affidavit filed by the petitioner containing detailed information
received under the RTI Act be taken on record. The Bench also adjourned the
hearing of the PIL to July 31.
Arora had
earlier argued that the minister and his wife were majority shareholders in
Rana Sugars Limited and the company had an agreement inked on December 4, 2012,
with the PSPCL to supply power generated by it up to 20 MW. There were certain
provisions in this agreement which gave discretion to the PSPCL to make advance
payments to this company, by giving some discount.