JUDGMENT :

Prashant Kumar Mishra, J.

This batch of writ appeals has been argued analogously. However, for convenience, the writ appeals have been divided into four groups, viz. Group-A, Group-B, Group-C and Group-D.

2. The issues falling for consideration in this batch of writ appeals/group of cases involve similar/overlapping background facts and the law applicable. Therefore, they are decided by this common judgment albeit group-wise.

3. Heard Mr. C.S. Vaidyanathan, Mr. D. Prakash Reddy, Mr. Sanjay Sen, Mr. P. Sri Raghuram, Mr. Sajan Poovayya, Mr. Basava Prabhu Patil, Mr. V.V.S. Murthy, learned senior counsels, duly assisted by Mr. Kilaru Nithin Krishna, Mr. Challa Gunaranjan, Ms. Mazag Andrabi, Mr. Aniket Prasoon, Mr. Avinash Desai, Mr. Vishrov Mukerjee, Mr. Sai Sanjay Suraneni, Mr. Srinivas Mantha, Mr. T.V.P. Sai Vihari, Mr. C. Prakash Reddy, for the appellants/power generators, Mr. Puneet Jain, learned counsel assisted by Mr. Y. Nagi Reddy, for the appellants-SLDC in the respective appeals.

4. Also heard Mr. S. Sriram, learned Advocate General, for the State and the DISCOM, Mr.