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SRH Vs CSK: TSSPDCL cuts Uppal Stadium power before IPL in Hyderabad over Rs. 3.5 Cr dues

TSSPDCL Cuts stadium power

HYDERABAD: TSSPDCL cuts Uppal Stadium power before IPL in Hyderabad. The Southern Power Distribution Company of Telangana Limited (TSSPDCL) has disconnected the power supply to Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium, popularly known as Uppal Stadium, just 24 hours ahead of the Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Chennai Super Kings IPL match on April 5, 2024. This action was taken because the Hyderabad Cricket Association (HCA) had not paid dues of Rs 3.5 crore.

TSSPDCL notified the Hyderabad Cricket Association Stadium regarding an outstanding payment of Rs. 3,05,12,790, comprising Rs. 1,41,18,269 as the principal amount and Rs. 1,63,94,521 as surcharge, linked to a case of Energy Theft.

TSSPDCL had previously issued multiple notices to the HCA urging clearance of the dues. The initial notice, requesting payment of Rs. 1.63 crore, was issued in February 2024. Despite subsequent reminders, the HCA did not respond. Earlier, the HCA had sought a postponement of the payment through an appeal to the High Court.

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Following a Writ Petition 11135/2022 (reference 9th), the court directed the association to pay 50 percent of the due amount, i.e., Rs. 1,41,18,269 immediately to restore power supply, with the remaining 50 percent to be paid by April 30, 2022, and May 31, 2022, respectively. Regarding the surcharge, the association was instructed to address their concerns to the relevant authorities for consideration.

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As per court interim directions and submitted a representation to the management requesting to waive surcharge as a special case considering the backdrop of COVID and Cricket activities at stadia & oblige.

Despite payment of all three installments as per court directions and a request to waive the surcharge due to COVID and cricket activities, it was clarified that surcharge waiver couldn’t be granted as per tariff regulations. Thus, the association was asked to settle the surcharge amount of Rs. 1,63,94,521 within 15 days from receiving the notice to avoid disconnection without further warning.