Hyderabad, July 16 -- The Telangana High Court on Wednesday, July 15, dismissed two writ petitions filed by hotel operators against power surcharge demands and imposed an exemplary fine of Rs 10 lakh each on them for approaching the court with "unclean hands."

Justice Nagesh Bheemapaka passed the order on petitions filed by B Sundar Rao Hotels, which runs the Taj Mahal Hotel at Abids, and Sundar Taj Mahal Hotels, which operates Hotel Taj Tristar in Secunderabad. The judge directed that the fine amounts be paid to the Telangana State Legal Services Authority.

The two hotels had moved the High Court against cross-subsidy surcharge (CSS) demand notices issued by the Telangana State Southern Power Distribution Company (TGSPDCL). B Sundar Ra...