Adani Power moves Supreme Court for ₹280 crore refund from Himachal Pradesh government
Adani Power Ltd has approached the Supreme Court seeking a ₹280 crore refund from the Himachal Pradesh government related to the 969-megawatt Jangi Thopan Power Project in Kinnaur. The dispute originated in 2005 when Himachal Pradesh invited bids for two hydropower projects, but the winning bidder, Brakel Corporation NV, failed to meet the payment deadline. Despite legal challenges from Reliance Infrastructure, Brakel's subsidiary deposited the upfront premium with funds provided by the Adani Group.
The Himachal Pradesh government later canceled Brakel’s allotment and forfeited the upfront premium due to misrepresentation. The state law department recommended a refund to Adani Power, leading the company to file a writ petition for the refund of ₹280.06 crore, arguing compensation was due under Sections 65 and 70 of the Contract Act.
Initially, a single-bench High Court order favored Adani Power’s refund request, but a division bench later overturned this, stating that Adani’s investment was made during ongoing litigation and without proper state approvals. The bench ruled no lawful relationship existed between Adani and the state, invalidating the right to compensation, and upheld the forfeiture of the funds. Adani Power is now challenging this decision in the Supreme Court.
Question: Which is the largest hyrdo power project (in terms of power production) in India?
- Kalinadi Hydro Electric Power plant
- Koyna Hydroelectric Power plant
- Bhakra Nangal Hydroelectric Power plant
- Nagarjunasagar Hydro Electric Power plant
After wet August, IMD warns more heavy rains in September
In August, India experienced 16% more rainfall than usual, with the above-normal rain pattern expected to continue into September. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts heavy rainfall in states like Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Punjab, which could result in floods and landslides. Conversely, areas such as north Bihar, northeast Uttar Pradesh, and parts of northeast and south peninsular India may see below-normal rainfall.
The IMD reported that August rainfall was the second highest since 2001 in Northwest India, with the country receiving 287.1 mm compared to the normal 248.1 mm. The monsoon season has seen 749 mm of precipitation, slightly above the average 701 mm. The withdrawal of the monsoon is expected to be delayed, impacting agriculture as monsoons are crucial for replenishing water sources and supporting the nearly $3.5-trillion Indian economy.
Question: How does La Niña affect India?
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