Himachal wins big: SC orders JSW to pay 18% royalty, ₹250 crore annual boost, Rs 150 Crore more..
Shimla, July 16 – In a major win for Himachal Pradesh, the Supreme Court has ordered JSW Energy to pay 18% royalty to the state from its 1045 MW Karcham-Wangtu hydropower project — up from the current 12%.
The verdict overturns the Himachal High Court’s May 2024 order that had favoured the company.
The ruling will fetch the state an additional ₹150 crore annually, pushing total gains to over ₹250 crore per year.
As per the 1999 agreement, JSW was to pay 12% royalty for the first 12 years and 18% thereafter.
The company paid the lower rate till September 2023 but refused the hike, prompting a legal battle.
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu personally pursued the case.
Top lawyers, including Kapil Sibal, argued for the state in the apex court.
A government spokesperson called the ruling a “historic milestone” in reclaiming the state’s share from its natural resources. The decision is expected to impact similar projects that have crossed the 12-year mark.
The government also cited its earlier court win in the Wild Flower Hall case, where it regained control of the heritage property after two decades of legal tussle.