S. C. AGRAWAL, J.

( 1 ) THIS writ petition and other writ petitions, a list of which is annexed as Schedule a to this order, which are being disposed of by this order, raise a common question as to whether the petitioners are entitled to proportionate reduction in the minimum charges payable by them for the electric energy supplied to them in the event of curtailment of the supply of the electric energy to them on account of imposition of the power cut.

( 2 ) THE Rajasthan State Electricity Board (hereinafter referred to as the Electricity Board) has been constituted under the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Act,1948 (hereinafter referred to as the Electricity (Supply) Act. The Electricity Board undertakes the generation and supply of electricity to the various consumers in Rajasthan and in the exercise of its powers, it is governed by the provisions of the Electricity (Supply) Act. Under section26 of the Electricity (Supply) Act, the Electricity Board, in respect of the whole State has all the powers and obligations of a licensee under the Indian Electricity Act,1910 (hereinafter referred to as the Electricity Act) and the Electricity (Supply) Act and is to be deem