Section 18 in Punjab Water Resources (Management and Regulation) Act, 2020
18. Procedure for tariff order.
(1)An application for determination of tariff under section 17 shall be made to the Authority by the entity supplying water in such form and manner and within such period, as may be stipulated by the Authority.(2)The application shall be accompanied by such fee, as may be stipulated by the Authority.(3)The Authority shall conduct a preliminary scrutiny of the application to examine as to whether the application is complete and is in the form and manner, as stipulated by the Authority.(4)In case the Authority finds any modifications are required in the application, the entity shall make such modifications and resubmit the application to the Authority within such time, as may be stipulated by the Authority.(5)The entity shall publish the application, in not less than two newspapers including at least one daily regional language newspaper having wide circulation in the State, in such abridged form and manner, as may be stipulated by the Authority.(6)After publication of the application, the public may file objections before the Authority in such manner and within such time, as may be stipulated by the Authority.(7)After considering the application under sub-section (1) and the objections received by it under sub-section (6), the Authority shall, within such time, as may be provided by the regulations,-(a)issue a tariff order accepting the application with such modifications or such conditions, as may be considered appropriate by the Authority; or(b)reject the application for reasons to be recorded in writing and issue a tariff order after considering such relevant factors, as the Authority may deem necessary:Provided that the entity shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard before issuing the tariff order:Provided further that the Authority may hold a common hearing for considering the objections received by it from the public.(8)Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the Authority may hold a combined hearing of several entities for determination of tariff and may in its discretion issue a single tariff order for any group or class of entities.(9)In case an entity supplying water fails to submit an application within the time stipulated by the Authority, the Authority may issue a tariff order in respect of that entity after consulting the Government and considering such relevant factors, as the Authority may deem necessary.(10)The Authority shall seek the views of the Government on the application received from all such entities which are of statutory nature or are owned or managed by the State Government, before making tariff order.(11)The Authority shall, within fifteen days of making the tariff order, send a copy of the tariff order to the concerned entity and the Government.(12)The tariff order shall, unless amended or revoked, continue to be in force for such period, as may be stipulated in the tariff order. Such an order may be extended by the Authority till a fresh order is passed.Explanation. - Provisions of this section shall apply even to those entities that are supplying or intend to supply treated waste water to any consumers or group of consumers.
