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12. The points that arise for consideration in this original petition are:

(A) Whether on facts the Petitioner is justified in seeking directions to first Respondent? If so, what are the directions warranted to be issued?

(B) Whether in law the first Respondent could seek the directions prayed for in its reply? Whether such a relief is maintainable under Section 121 of The Electricity Act, 2003?

Point B

13. Taking up the second point, viz the relief prayed by the first Respondent in its reply, it is to be pointed that the first Respondent is a Statutory Authority constituted under Section 70 of The Electricity Act, 2003, to exercise such functions and perform such duties as are assigned to it under The Electricity Act, 2003. Section 73 of The Electricity Act, 2003 enumerates the functions and duties of the first Respondent. Such functions are quasi-judicial in nature and as Original Authority it is the statutory function, which it has to exercise. A statutory quasi-judicial functionary like the first Respondent has to exercise its jurisdiction and authority as vested on it, independently and shall not abdicate its functions to any one else, even to an Appellate Authority, as such an abdication vitiates the proceedings. Being a quasi-judicial functionary, the first Respondent has to exercise statutory powers and discharge its functions in the light of its own independent perspective. The first Respondent, Statutory Authority exercising quasi-judicial power, is required to do a thing in a particular manner, the same shall be done in that manner only and act within the four corners of the statute.