'Why Centre should not pay for investments by firms in Uttarakhand projects'

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court today asked the Centre why it should not pay crores of rupees invested by companies in various hydropower projects in Uttarakhand if it is against them in the aftermath of last year's disaster in the state.

A bench of justices Dipak Misra and U U Lalit said a large amount of money has been invested by companies, including PSUs National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and Tehri Hydro Development Coporation (THDC) and some "acceptable solution" has to be find out.

The bench said the issue is very important and asked Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi to assist in deciding the future of hydroelectricity projects in state.

The bench asked Rohatgi to be present in the court on December 16 when it will further hear the case.