The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking proper implementation of the Ministry of Power’s Guidelines for Installation and Operation of Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure–2024.
A Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice to the Union Government, the State of Uttar Pradesh, and a Noida housing society. The Court listed the matter for April 13.
What the petition claims
The petitioner, Rachit Katyal, is a resident of Nirala Estate Phase 3, Greater Noida.
According to Katyal, the Ministry of Power issued the 2024 guidelines on September 17, 2024. Despite this, he claims many housing societies and State authorities do not ensure residents have practical access to EV charging facilities.
Request to install charger in allotted parking space
Katyal states that he purchased an electric vehicle and sought permission to install a certified EV charging unit in his designated parking space. He claims he offered to bear the entire cost of installation.
The petition says he applied for a No Objection Certificate (NOC) on May 26, 2025. It further claims that the proposed installation would comply with safety and electrical standards and would not affect common utilities.
Alleged inaction by the housing society
In the plea, Katyal alleges the society did not grant permission and did not provide a final response. He also claims he sent repeated communications between May and December 2025.
The petition notes that the society referred to existing charging points within the premises. However, Katyal describes those facilities as inadequate. He additionally claims he cannot access them and that some slots were allotted to other flat owners.
Existing infrastructure described as inadequate
Katyal states the residential complex has nearly 4,000 flats and around 56 electric vehicles.
Even so, he alleges that the society has only two charging points—one with 7 kW capacity and another with 3 kW capacity. He argues that such limited capacity makes home charging difficult for residents.
Reliance on the 2024 EV charging guidelines
To support his request, Katyal relies on the 2024 guidelines. He states that residents can install private EV chargers in designated parking spaces.
He also states that electricity for such chargers can come from an existing meter or through a separate sub-meter. At the same time, he emphasises that safety norms must be followed.
Further, the petition argues that stronger enforcement is necessary to support electric mobility. It also links the issue to India’s environmental commitments.
Constitutional rights argument
The petition additionally alleges violation of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 16 and 21 of the Constitution.
Katyal claims he made representations to the Ministry of Power and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. However, he alleges the authorities did not take follow-up action.
Reference to Maharashtra measures
The plea refers to steps reportedly taken in Maharashtra. In particular, it mentions circulars requiring housing societies to issue NOCs for EV charger installation within seven days.
It also refers to judicial orders encouraging EV infrastructure in cooperative societies. On that basis, Katyal argues that Uttar Pradesh needs similar measures to remove barriers faced by EV owners.
Reliefs sought
Katyal seeks directions to the Union of India and State Governments to ensure proper implementation of the 2024 guidelines.
He also seeks facilitation for private EV charger installation in residential societies. Additionally, he seeks a regulatory framework to ensure timely electricity connections and permissions in private residential complexes.
Further, he seeks directions against office-bearers of the housing society. In the alternative, he seeks a direction to the society to grant permission or issue an NOC for his allotted parking space, pending legislation in Uttar Pradesh.
Earlier 2018 guidelines and safety regulations cited
The petition also relies on Charging Infrastructure for Electric Vehicles—Guidelines and Standards (2018), as amended from time to time. It argues these place obligations on State Governments and power utilities to ensure safe and adequate charging infrastructure in group housing societies.
The plea further cites the Central Electricity Authority (Measures relating to Safety and Electric Supply) Regulations, 2023, as amended.
What the petition says the 2024 guidelines provide
The petition states that the 2024 guidelines broadly provide:
- Setting up and operating EV charging stations is a de-licensed activity, and any entity may establish EV charging infrastructure by following the guidelines.
- Charge Point Operators may apply for an electricity connection, and the Distribution Licensee must provide it within timelines under the Electricity (Rights of Consumers) Rules, 2020 (as amended).
- Electricity Regulatory Commissions must pre-specify connection charges up to 150 kW under Rule 4(13) of the 2020 Rules (as amended). Distribution Licensees must provide LT connection up to 150 kW for charging stations.
- State Nodal Agencies and Municipal Commissioners must assess EV charging demand yearly and publish data for Charge Point Operators.
- MoHUA has amended parts of the Model Building Bye-laws (2016) and URDPFI—2014 to support electric mobility, and local authorities are encouraged to adopt these revisions.
- Charging station owners may adopt newer technologies, including induction charging and pantograph systems, subject to safety and connectivity requirements under CEA and BIS norms, and they may also integrate solar energy.
Representation and case details
Katyal appeared through Advocates Sriram Parakkat and Subaash Chaudhary.
Case Details: Rachit Katyal v. Union of India
