The Kerala High Court has directed the Kerala State Electricity Regulatory Commission (KSERC) to conduct hybrid public consultations—both in-person and virtual—when reviewing proposed Renewable Energy Regulations 2025. This decision follows a public interest litigation filed by the Domestic On-Grid Solar Power Prosumers Forum Kerala (turn0search4, turn0search1).
🗣️ Why It Matters
- The court emphasized that holding hearings only online restricts transparency and public participation, especially in regulatory matters affecting rooftop solar users.
- It highlighted the need to ensure accessibility for all stakeholders—including those without digital access or familiarity. The bench stressed the importance of participating across age groups, languages, and digital ability (turn0search4).
📍 Locations and Logistics
The court specifically ordered KSERC to host physical hearings in Kozhikode, Palakkad, Ernakulam, and Thiruvananthapuram, in addition to providing online access. Factors like venue accessibility, participant convenience, and safety were mandated for consideration (turn0search4).
🔐 Court’s Additional Directions
- KSERC must establish and publicize a transparent procedure governing public consultations—covering venue selection, participation rules, and seating or crowd management.
- The Commission was permitted to coordinate with local law enforcement to ensure orderly proceedings during physical hearings (turn0search4).
🧭 Summary Table
Issue | Court Order Summary |
Hearing Mode | Hybrid format: both physical and online |
Public Participation Concern | Physical-only hearings were essential for transparency |
Designated Venues | Kozhikode, Palakkad, Ernakulam, Thiruvananthapuram |
Orderly Conduct | Allowed involvement of police for crowd management |
Procedure Guidelines | KSERC must announce clear hearing protocols and logistics |
✅ Bottom Line
The Kerala High Court has reinstated inclusive participation in regulatory policy-making by ruling that public hearings on renewable regulations cannot be online-only. This order ensures equitable engagement for solar power stakeholders and reinforces transparent, participatory governance in electricity regulation.
