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The Lahore High Court has upheld the government’s decision to end free electricity units for power sector officers, declaring the move lawful and within policy authority.
The government’s decision to stop providing free electricity units to WAPDA and power distribution company (DISCO) executives was maintained by the Lahore High Court (LHC), which declared the program to be legal.
The court held in a comprehensive ruling that the provision of free power units was a service-related facility, not a statutory or fundamental right, and that policy decisions might change or remove it.
The GEPCO Engineers and Officers Association filed the petitions contesting the policy, claiming that its removal was discriminatory and that the benefit was a condition of employment. Nevertheless, the court determined that these claims lacked a legal foundation.
The decision also highlighted the government’s right to make administrative and financial choices, especially in light of issues like circular debt in the power industry.
Instead of completely eliminating the perk, the proposal substitutes a monetised allowance that is integrated into salaries for free electricity units.
The court further emphasised the executive’s role in fiscal and economic policies by stating that judicial involvement in policy matters is restricted unless a decision is illegal or unconstitutional.
