- (1.) ISSUE notice.
(2.) IT is brought to our notice that the term of Dr. Bhure Lal, Member of UPSC is going to end by 9-2-2008. He may continue as Chairperson of the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority with all perquisites until further orders. The matter relates to distribution of CNG. The learned Additional Solicitor General submitted that in matters of distribution of CNG, the Central Government has absolute prerogative. It is also brought to our notice that without direction from the Union of India, some of the States have taken steps to give out franchise to private persons for distribution of CNG and private parties have invested money for providing infrastructure to outlets for CNG. The learned counsel for the allottees dispute the stand of the Union of India regarding absolute prerogative. The learned counsel for the Petroleum Board has also stated that the Board has got authority to deal with these matters.
(3.) IN view of this, the Ministry of Petroleum may examine the matter and submit its report within a period of three weeks so that effective order could be passed to resolve the controversy between the parties. It would be appropriate if a meeting of all the shareholders is held.;