After Housing Society Refuses Permission For EV Charger Installation, Owner Moves Supreme Court To Enforce Power Ministry Guidelines

The Supreme Court today issued notice in a PIL seeking proper and effective implementation of Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure 2024 issued by the Ministry of Power.The bench of CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Union Government, State of Uttar Pradesh and a Noida housing society. The matter is now listed for April 13. The petition has been filed by Rachit Katyal, a resident of Nirala Estate Phase 3 in Greater Noida, who contends that despite clear guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power on September 17, 2024, housing societies and State authorities have failed to ensure access to EV charging infrastructure for residents.According to the petition, the petitioner purchased an electric vehicle and sought permission from his housing society to install a certified EV charging unit in his designated parking space at his own cost. He submitted a request for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on May 26, 2025, assuring the society that the installation would comply with all safety and electrical standards and would not interfere with common utilities.Despite repeated communications and reminders sent between May and December 2025, the petitioner claims that the society failed to grant permission or provide a definitive response. The society allegedly informed him that limited charging points already existed within the premises, but the petitioner contends that these were insufficient and not accessible to him as some slots had been allotted to other flat owners.The petitioner states that the residential complex has nearly 4,000 flats and about 56 electric vehicles, but only two charging points of 7 kW and 3 kW capacity are available, making home charging difficult.The petition relies on the 2024 EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Power, which expressly permit residents to install private EV charging stations in designated parking spaces. The guidelines also provide that electricity supply may be provided through an existing meter or a separate sub-meter.It is argued that implementation of these guidelines is necessary to promote electric mobility and support India's environmental commitments. The petitioner claims that the failure of State authorities to ensure effective implementation violates fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the Constitution.The petitioner also states that representations were submitted to the Ministry of Power and the Government of Uttar Pradesh seeking enforcement of the guidelines, but no action was taken.The petition refers to developments in Maharashtra, including circulars requiring housing societies to issue NOCs for EV charger installation within seven days and judicial orders encouraging adoption of EV infrastructure in cooperative societies.It is contended that similar measures are needed across States to remove barriers faced by EV owners in installing private charging facilities.The petitioner has sought directions to the Union of India and State Governments to ensure proper implementation of the 2024 EV Charging Infrastructure Guidelines and to facilitate installation of private EV chargers in residential societies.The plea also seeks a regulatory framework to ensure timely grant of electricity connections and permissions for EV charging infrastructure in private residential complexes.The petitioner further refers to the earlier Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles-Guidelines and Standards issued in 2018, which were amended over time to streamline implementation. The plea argues that these guidelines obligate State Governments and power utilities to provide safe, sufficient charging infrastructure within group housing societies, enabling residents to install private EV chargers at their own cost, subject to compliance with safety norms.It is also submitted that the installation process is governed by safety standards framed under the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, as amended. Terming the issue one of broader public importance, the petitioner has urged the Supreme Court to take cognisance and issue appropriate directions for effective enforcement of the 2024 Guidelines in letter and spirit.The petitioner has sought the following reliefs, including directions against the office-bearers of the housing society:Issue appropriate directions or writs to ensure proper and effective implementation by State Governments of the Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure–2024. In the alternative, direct housing society authorities, to grant permission or issue a No Objection Certificate for installation of an individual EV charging station in the petitioner's allotted parking space, pending the enactment of appropriate legislation by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.Issue a writ of mandamus directing the Union of India to frame or notify...

After Housing Society Refuses Permission For EV Charger Installation, Owner Moves Supreme Court To Enforce Power Ministry Guidelines

Anmol Kaur Bawa

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