Electricity Regulatory Commissions Act, 1998
20. Removal of Members
(1) Subject to the provisions of sub-section (3), any Member of
the State Commission shall only be removed from his office by order of the
Governor on the ground of proved misbehavior after the High Court, on reference
being made to it by the Governor, has, on inquiry, held in accordance with the
procedure prescribed in that behalf by the High Court, reported that the
Member, ought on any such ground to be removed.
(2) The Governor may suspend any Member of the State Commission
in respect of whom a reference has been made to the High Court under
sub-section (1) until the Governor has passed orders on the receipt of the
report of the High Court on such reference.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1), the
Governor may by order remove from office, the Member if he-
(a) has been adjudged an insolvent; or
(b) has been convicted of an offence which, in
the opinion of the State Government, involves moral turpitude; or
(c) has become physically or mentally
incapable of acting as a Member; or
(d) has acquired such financial or other
interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as a Member; or
(e) has so abused his position as to render
his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.
(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (3), no
Member shall be removed from his office on the ground specified in clause (d)
or clause (e) of that sub-section unless the High Court on a reference being
made to it in this behalf by the Governor, has, on an inquiry, held by it in
accordance with such procedure as prescribed in this behalf by the High Court,
reported that the Member ought on such ground or grounds to be removed.