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Politics
J&K High Court Declares Water Charges on Power Projects Unconstitutional, Cancels Govt Notices
✍️ Daily Excelsior
🗓 29 Oct 2026, 09:35 PM
👁 8
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has struck down water usage fees imposed on power generation projects, declaring them unconstitutional and nullifying the government’s demand notices.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court ruled that the water usage charges levied on power generation projects violate constitutional provisions. In its judgment, the court held that the fees impose an undue burden on the projects and lack a clear legal basis, rendering them invalid.
Consequently, the court ordered the state government to withdraw all demand notices issued to the affected power plants. The decision also directs the authorities to refrain from imposing similar charges until a proper legislative framework is established.
Legal experts note that the ruling could have significant financial implications for ongoing and future hydro‑electric and thermal projects in the region, potentially affecting investment decisions and project timelines.
The government has been asked to review its water‑related tariff policies in line with the court’s observations, ensuring compliance with constitutional safeguards.
Stakeholders in the power sector are expected to seek clarification on the next steps for compliance, while the judiciary’s intervention underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional limits in fiscal measures.
Consequently, the court ordered the state government to withdraw all demand notices issued to the affected power plants. The decision also directs the authorities to refrain from imposing similar charges until a proper legislative framework is established.
Legal experts note that the ruling could have significant financial implications for ongoing and future hydro‑electric and thermal projects in the region, potentially affecting investment decisions and project timelines.
The government has been asked to review its water‑related tariff policies in line with the court’s observations, ensuring compliance with constitutional safeguards.
Stakeholders in the power sector are expected to seek clarification on the next steps for compliance, while the judiciary’s intervention underscores the importance of adhering to constitutional limits in fiscal measures.