This Article is From Jan 22, 2014

Three Delhi power firms move High Court against CAG audition

Three Delhi power firms move High Court against CAG audition

CAG Shashi Kant Sharma with Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal (File pic: Dec 31)

New Delhi: The three discoms that supply power to the Capital - Tata Power Delhi Distribution Ltd., BSES Rajdhani and BSES Yamuna-have challenged the CAG's authority to audit their finances, arguing that only reputed firms empanelled by the audit watchdog could do the job.

Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, soon after assuming his new role on December 28, had met CAG Shashi Kant Sharma, urging him to audit the three private firms that supply power to the city's residents. He alleged that the discoms were over-charging the consumers. Reduction of power tariff in Delhi was one of the important pre-poll commitments of Mr Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party.

On January 1, Lieutenant Governor Najeeb Jung directed the CAG to undertake the audit of the discoms.

The three private have now challenged the proposed audit, contending that the CAG's writ does not run over them.

"We welcome any audit within the purview of law. The CAG's powers, however, do not extend to Delhi discoms,'' a statement issued today by the Anil Ambani-owned BSES, that supplies power to the East Delhi and New Delhi areas, said.

"We are already audited by the CAG-empanelled reputed audit firms. The Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission has already conducted multiple special audits on Delhi discoms in keeping with the provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003,'' the statement added
.