Commission may, if it deems fit, permit the intending purchaser to operate and maintain the utility system pending the completion of the sale.

Where a utility is sold under section 20 or section 24, then, upon completion of the sale or on the date on which the utility is delivered to the

intending purchaser, as the case may be, whichever is earlier-

1. (a) the utility shall vest in the purchaser or the intending purchaser,

as the case may be, free from any debt, mortgage or similar

obligation of the licensee or attaching to the utility:

Provided that any such debt, mortgage or similar obligation shall attach to the purchase money in substitution for the utility; and

1. (b) the rights, powers, authorities, duties and obligations of the licensee under his licence shall stand transferred to the purchaser and such purchaser shall be deemed to be the licensee. 22. (1) If the utility is not sold in the manner provided under section 20 or section 24, the Appropriate Commission may, to protect the interest of consumers or in public interest, issue such directions or formulate such scheme as it may deem necessary for operation of the utility.

1. (2) Where no directions are issued or scheme is formulated by the Appropriate

Commission under sub-section (1), the licensee referred to in section 20 or section

24 may dispose of the utility in such manner as it may deem fit:

Provided that, if the licensee does not dispose of the utility, within a period of six months from the date of revocation under section 20 or section 24, the Appropriate Commission may cause the works of the licensee in, under, over, along, or across any street or public land to be removed and every such street or public land to be reinstated, and recover the cost of such removal and reinstatement from the licensee.