Labour whip Joe Mizzi yesterday filed a judicial application against the Malta Resources Authority accusing it of not upholding the interests of the consumers in the latest utility rates hike.

Mr Mizzi, who is also the PL's spokesman on resources, said the resources authority acted beyond its powers when it approved the utility tariffs issued by Enemalta.

The authority was in duty bound to regulate Enemalta's actions and not defend its decisions, Mr Mizzi said, insisting that the authority was defending the government to the detriment of the consumer.

In the application, Mr Mizzi said he had filed a complaint against the regulator on January 19, adding that, in its reply, the MRA failed to adequately address his complaints.

The application was filed in the First Hall of the Civil Court against the Malta Resources Authority, the Resources Ministry and the Attorney General.

He called on the authority to annul its decision to approve the tariffs because it had acted beyond the powers granted to it by law.

Mr Mizzi attached a list of over 50 including members of Cabinet, the Office of Fair Competition, journalists, MPs and Enemalta employees.

Lawyer and Labour MP Justyne Caruana filed the application.