Section 19 in Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (Conduct of Business) Regulations, 2002
19. Service of notices and processes.
(1)Any notice or process to be issued by the Commission may be served by any one or more of the following modes as may be directed by the Commission:(a)service by any party to the proceedings;(b)by hand delivery through a messenger;(c)by registered post with acknowledgement due.(d)by publication in newspaper in cases where the Commission is satisfied that it is not reasonably practicable to serve the notices, processes, etc. on any person in the manner mentioned above; and(e)in any other manner as considered appropriate by the Commission.(2)The Commission shall, however, be entitled to direct in each case as to who shall bear the cost of such service and publication.(3)Every notice or process required to be served on or delivered to any person may be sent to the person or his agent empowered to accept service at the address furnished by him for service or at the place where the person or his agent ordinarily resides or carries on business or personally works for gain.(4)In the event any matter is pending before the Commission and the person to be served has authorised an agent or representative to appear for or represent him or her in the matter, such agent or representative shall be deemed to be duly empowered to take service of the notices and processes on behalf of the party concerned in all matters and the service on such agent or representative shall be taken as due service on the person to be served.(5)Where a notice is served by a party to the proceedings either in person or through registered post, an affidavit of service shall be filed by the party with the Commission giving details of the date and manner of service of notices and processes.(6)Where any petition is required to be published, it shall be published in such publications and in such form and manner as the Commission may direct.(7)Save as otherwise provided in the Act or in the regulations and subject to any direction which the Commission or the Secretary or the Officer designated for the purpose may give, the petitioner, applicant or any other person whom the Commission makes responsible for the conduct of the proceedings shall arrange service of all notices, summons, and other processes and for advertisement and publication of notices and processes required to be served. The Commission may also effect service or give directions for effecting service in any other manner as it considers appropriate.(8)In default of compliance with the requirements of the regulations or directions of the Commission as regards the service of notices, summons or processes or the c publication thereof, the Commission may either dismiss the petition or give such other or further directions, as it considers appropriate.(9)No service or publication required to be done shall be deemed invalid by reason of any defect in the name or description of a person provided that the Commission is satisfied that such service is in other respects sufficient, and no proceeding shall be invalidated by reason of any defect or irregularity unless the Commission, on an objection taken, is of the opinion that substantial injustice has been caused by such defect or irregularity or there are otherwise sufficient reasons for doing so.
