P&H High Court: Electricity is a Fundamental Right, Strikes Down Punjab Govt’s Cut-Off Date

The Punjab & Haryana High Court struck down the Punjab Government notification that specified a cut-off date for granting electricity connections in unauthorized colonies.

The notification restricted connections only to those with property documents dated before July 31, 2024. The petitioner, despite legally purchasing land and securing approvals, was denied electricity due to this cut-off.

The court held that access to basic amenities like electricity is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution and found the cut-off date arbitrary and discriminatory. 

The Court directed the release of a permanent electricity connection and struck down the impugned clause in the November 2024 notification.