CNI urges halt to power cuts for industries within industrial zones until SC rules

KATHMANDU: Confederation of Nepalese Industries (CNI) has urged authorities not to impose power cuts on industries within industrial zones until the Supreme Court issues a final ruling on a dispute over rent increases, the industry body said in a press statement.

The Supreme Court ruled on March 25, 2025, that new rent rates set by the Industrial Zone Management would take effect only from July 6, 2020. While many industrialists have accepted that verdict, the Industrial Zone Management has filed for a review of the decision with the Supreme Court, leaving the matter unresolved.

In the press statement, CNI said the pending review means electricity lines should not be disconnected from industries in the industrial zones during the legal process and called for the reconnection of any lines that have already been cut.

The umbrella organisation of private sector noted that some companies have already paid rent in line with the court’s decision and others are attempting to do so, but that the current seven-day payment window is too short. CNI requested an extension of the payment period to allow more firms to comply.

Highlighting the importance of manufacturing to the national economy, CNI appealed to all concerned parties to support uninterrupted industrial operations to help keep the economy active.