“Nothing Survives”: Bombay High Court Closes LPG Shortage Case After Centre Assures Action

In a significant development, the Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday disposed of a suo motu plea related to the reported cooking gas shortage, after the Centre assured that the situation is under close watch and being actively managed.

The bench, comprising Justices Anil S. Kilor and Raj D. Wakode, concluded that no further judicial intervention was required at this stage, observing that the matter involves broader national and international considerations.

Centre Says Situation “Dynamic”

Appearing for the Union government, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the court that the LPG supply situation remains “ever evolving” due to global developments, including geopolitical tensions.

He emphasised that such matters are better handled by the government rather than debated in court. “The Government of India is monitoring the situation and taking all remedial measures to ensure that international crises do not impact domestic supply,” he told the bench.

Mehta further added that policy decisions and crisis management in such sensitive areas require coordinated domestic and international efforts in the interest of citizens.

Strict Action Against Local Irregularities

The Centre also assured the court that any local-level issues, including negligence or violations by LPG distributors, are being dealt with strictly. Authorities have been instructed to take action wherever necessary to ensure smooth supply and prevent disruption.

Notices Issued to Multiple Agencies

The case had been initiated by the court on its own based on media reports highlighting LPG shortages in parts of Maharashtra. Earlier, notices were issued to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Maharashtra government’s Food and Supplies Department, the Nagpur district collector, and major public sector oil companies.

These included Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum, all of whom were asked to respond to the concerns raised.

Petition by Distributors Also Dismissed

Alongside the suo motu case, the court also dismissed a separate petition filed by six LPG distributors who had sought an increase in domestic cylinder supply amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to tensions involving Iran.

Court Backs Government Handling

Taking note of the Centre’s affidavit and submissions, the court observed that the issue extends beyond limited jurisdiction and is best managed by the Union and state governments in the larger public interest.

Recording the government’s assurance that all necessary steps are being taken to safeguard supply and public interest, the bench remarked, “Nothing survives,” effectively closing the case.