The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notices to the Bihar government, the Election Commission and the Bihar State Electricity Board on a PIL challenging BSEB's decision to waive surcharge on delayed payment of electricity bills by members of legislative assembly and ministers.

The notices were issued by a Bench headed by Justice R C Lahoti. The petitioners have contended that such largesse is not justifiable at a time when the state electricity has suffered a cumulative loss of Rs 8,100 crore.

With Bihar due to go to the polls next months, the Election Commission would require each candidate, who is holding public office, to file a no dues certificate before filing his/her