#adjudicatory functions

Punjab and Haryana HC held Electricity Regulatory Commission cannot adjudicate without a legal member, quashing its order on a 66 KV line tap and upholding legal member requirement under Sec 86(1)(f) of Electricity Act 2003 for adjudicatory functions.

The Supreme Court ruled that the National Green Tribunal (NGT) cannot outsource its judicial functions to expert committees, as it violates principles of natural justice. The judgment quashed NGT’s reliance on committee reports to block a petrol pump project, emphasizing that statutory compliance and procedural fairness must prevail over speculative environmental concerns. This sets a precedent for environmental adjudication, ensuring courts retain their decision-making authority.