Supreme Court Issues Notice to Punjab in Shanan Power Project Dispute

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Punjab government to respond to Himachal Pradesh's plea by November 8. Himachal Pradesh argues that the Shanan Power Project lease, expiring in March 2024, gives them rightful claim over the project. The court will address this on November 8.

The Supreme Court on Monday issued a notice to the Punjab government, requiring a response by November 8 in the Shanan Power Project case. This follows an application by Himachal Pradesh to dismiss Punjab's civil suit.

Advocate General of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, Anup Kumar Rattan, argued that Punjab's suit cannot be entertained by the Supreme Court under Article 131. He highlighted that the case, based on a treaty and agreement, falls outside the court's jurisdiction. After initial consideration, the court directed Punjab to respond.

Rattan explained that in 1925, the king of Mandi leased the land for the Shanan Power Project to the Government of India for 99 years, a term expiring in March 2024. He asserted that Himachal Pradesh has rightful ownership of the project post-lease expiration. This dispute will be revisited on November 8.

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the necessity of asserting Himachal Pradesh's claims to maximize state benefits. He pressured for the 110 MW Shanan hydroelectric project to be handed over to Himachal Pradesh, whose lease period in favor of Punjab has expired, by October 31.

(With inputs from agencies.)