GG News Bureau
Shimla, 19th Nov. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered the attachment of Himachal Bhawan in Delhi to recover Rs 150 crore owed by the state government to Seli Hydropower Electrical Company. The company is seeking the recovery of funds following a legal dispute related to the 340 MW Seli Hydropower Electric Project in the Lahaul and Spiti district.
On Monday, Justice Ajay Mohan Goel of the Himachal Pradesh High Court issued the order, granting the company the right to take necessary steps, including the auction of the Himachal Bhawan, located in the Mandi House area of central Delhi. The dispute arises from the state’s cancellation of the project’s allotment and subsequent forfeiture of an upfront premium paid by the company.
Seli Hydropower challenged the government’s decision to cancel the project before an arbitrator, who ruled in the company’s favor, ordering the state government to refund the premium with interest. However, the government did not comply, leading the company to file a petition in the High Court. The court found merit in the petitioner’s argument and directed the government to deposit the refunded amount along with interest, which has now grown to Rs 150 crore due to a 7% annual interest since the petition was filed.
In addition to the attachment order, the court has instructed the state’s principal secretary (Power) to conduct an inquiry to identify the officials responsible for the delay in payment, with a report due by December 6. The government, meanwhile, has appealed the decision, and the matter is expected to be heard again later this month.
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