JUDGMENT

K. Venkataswami, J.-Leave granted. Heard counsel on both sides.

The appellant, U.P. State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as the "Electricity Board") seems to be more aggrieved by the following pungent/harsh observations made by the High Court against the officials of the Electricity Board and in particular against its Chairman and Secretary :

"Probably the authorities to U.P. State Electricity Board, think themselves above the State or the least a State within the State. It seems that they are under an illusion that if they flout the directions of the State Government, there would be no forum where the person can seek redress. They failed to realise that the State Government acting within its powers, sanctioned by law, had the authority to issue directions, particularly in matters, where a policy is involved leaving no option to them except to comply with those directions. As they refused to comply with the directions of the State Government in a most reckless and indiscreet manner, this Court, has no option except to force them to act, within the boundaries of law. But before doing so, I am constrained to say, that the Chairman and Secretary of U.P. State Electri