Procedure for tariff order.

(1) An application for determination of tariff under section 17 shall be made to the Authority by the entity supplying water in such form and manner and within such period, as may be stipulated by the Authority. (2) The application shall be accompanied by such fee, as may be stipulated by the Authority. (3) The Authority shall conduct a preliminary scrutiny of the application to examine as to whether the application is complete and is in the form and manner, as stipulated by the Authority. (4) In case the Authority finds any modifications are required in the application, the entity shall make such modifications and resubmit the application to the Authority within such time, as may be stipulated by the Authority. (5) The entity shall publish the application, in not less than two newspapers including at least one daily regional language newspaper having wide circulation in the State, in such abridged form and manner, as may be stipulated by the Authority. (6) After publication of the application, the public may file objections before the Authority in such manner and within such time, as may be stipulated by the Authority. (7) After considering the application under sub-section (1) and the objections received by it under sub-section (6), the Authority shall, within such time, as may be provided by the regulations– (a) issue a tariff order accepting the application with such modifications or such conditions, as may be considered appropriate by the Authority ;or (b) reject the application for reasons to be recorded in writing and issue a tariff order after considering such relevant factors, as the Authority may deem necessary: Provided that the entity shall be given a reasonable opportunity of being heard before issuing the tariff order: