Rana Sugars earned Rs 202 cr from PSPCL, court told

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, July 25

The High Court today took on record an additional affidavit containing detailed information received under the RTI Act. The petitioner, HC Arora, claimed that the information indicated that Rana Sugars allegedly earned Rs202 crore from the PSPCL through sale of power.

The Bench was also told that Power and Irrigation Minister Rana Gurjit Singh was a shareholder in three more power-producing companies. It was added that all four power-producing companies, including Rana Sugars Limited, were operating from the same premises in Chandigarh.

The development took place on a petition filed in public interest by Arora. He was seeking issuance of appropriate directions to the CM to divest Rana Gurjit of the portfolio due to conflict of interest.

The Division Bench of Justice Ajay Kumar Mittal and Justice Amit Rawal directed that the additional affidavit filed by the petitioner containing detailed information received under the RTI Act be taken on record. The Bench also adjourned the hearing of the PIL to July 31.

Arora had earlier argued that the minister and his wife were majority shareholders in Rana Sugars Limited and the company had an agreement inked on December 4, 2012, with the PSPCL to supply power generated by it up to 20 MW. There were certain provisions in this agreement which gave discretion to the PSPCL to make advance payments to this company, by giving some discount.