LHC upholds policy on monetisation of free electricity units

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the government’s policy of monetising free electricity units for officers of power distribution companies, dismissing a petition challenging the move

LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Apr, 2026) The Lahore High Court (LHC) has upheld the government’s policy of monetising free electricity units for officers of power distribution companies, dismissing a petition challenging the move.

As per a detailed verdict released on Friday, the court maintained the government notification issued on December 5, 2023, under which free electricity units for officers in BPS-17 and above were converted into cash benefits.

The petition, filed by the Gepco Engineers and Officers Association, was rejected after the court ruled that the provision of free electricity units was not a permanent or legally protected right but a concessional facility subject to administrative policy.

The judgment stated that the petitioners failed to prove that the free units were part of their salary or protected under any law. It added that such benefits do not become part of service conditions unless granted legal status.

The court held that no violation of fundamental rights had occurred, observing that the matter fell within the domain of employer-employee relations. It further noted that the policy had been implemented uniformly across relevant institutions, with no evidence of discrimination or arbitrariness.

Addressing the issue of separate treatment for different grades, the court ruled that distinct policies for BPS-17 and above officers do not constitute discrimination, as they belong to a separate cadre.

Declaring the policy of the Power Division as reasonable and financially justified, the court observed that the power sector is facing serious financial challenges, including circular debt, making such measures necessary.

The judgment clarified that the facility had not been withdrawn but converted into a cash allowance, with no proven negative impact on overall salaries.

Emphasising judicial restraint, the court stated that policy decisions fall within the executive’s domain and cannot be interfered with unless shown to be illegal or mala fide.

The court also dismissed allegations of violations of Articles 4, 9, and 25 of the Constitution.

Justice Malik Javid Iqbal Wains issued the 14-page written judgment, declaring it a judicial precedent.