JUDGMENT

S.B. SINHA, J.

1.Interpretation and/or application of the provisions of the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Reforms Act, 1998 (for short the 1998 Act) vis-a-vis the orders passed by the Andhra Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (for short `the Commission) are involved in these appeals which arise out of the judgments and orders passed by a Division Bench of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.

2. The matter relating to generation, supply and distribution of electrical energy in the State of Andhra Pradesh used to be governed by the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Act, 1948 (For short, the 1948 Act).

3.With a view to bring reforms in the Power Sector and to meet shortages in power supply, the State of Andhra adopted a policy decision for generation of power through MPPs of 30 MW capacity in private sector. For the said purpose it issued two G.Os. being G.O. No.116 dated 5th August, 1995 and G.O. No. 152 dated 29th November, 1995.

4.In the said Government orders, the liberalization policy of the state in respect of its industrial economy so as to enable the State Government to attract investment from other parts of the country as also from outside the country was highlighte