The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Tuesday disposed of a suo motu plea concerning the ongoing cooking gas shortage, after the Union government submitted that the issue is being actively monitored and addressed at multiple levels.
Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta told the court that the situation remains dynamic due to international developments, and emphasised that it may not be appropriate to deliberate such matters within court proceedings. He assured the bench that the government is taking all necessary remedial measures to ensure that global disruptions do not adversely impact domestic supply.
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“The Government of India is monitoring the situation and taking all remedial measures to ensure that such crises at the international level may not affect our country. The situation, under such circumstances, always remain ever evolving and it would essentially be for the Government of India to take steps domestically and internationally in the interest of its citizens. By the very nature of the subject matter, it may not be desirable to discuss or debate these issues in court proceedings,” he said.
Mehta further submitted that any local irregularities, including dereliction of duty or violations by distributors, are being dealt with strictly by the concerned authorities, with action continuing wherever required.
The bench comprising Justices Anil S. Kilor and Raj D. Wakode was hearing the matter initiated suo motu based on media reports highlighting shortages of LPG cylinders. Notices had earlier been issued to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the Maharashtra government’s Food and Supplies Department, the Nagpur district collector, and public sector oil companies including Indian Oil Corporation, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum.
Taking note of the Centre’s submissions and affidavit, the court observed that the matter involves issues extending beyond limited jurisdictions and is best handled by the Union and state governments in the larger public interest. “Nothing survives,” the bench remarked while disposing of the plea.
The court also dismissed a related petition filed by six LPG distributors seeking increased supply of domestic cylinders amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to the conflict involving Iran.
In its order, the court recorded that the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard public interest and ensure availability of essential resources.
– Ends
Published By:
Zafar Zaidi
Published On:
Mar 18, 2026 00:04 IST
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