Govt, oil cos asked to reply to pil against fuel price hike

The Bombay high court on Wednesday sought replies from the government and oil companies in response to a public interest litigation by a Thane-based political outfit, which challenged the Rs7.50 hike in petrol price.

The Bombay high court on Wednesday sought replies from the government and oil companies in response to a public interest litigation by a Thane-based political outfit, which challenged the Rs7.50 hike in petrol price.

HT Image

The petition filed by Dharmarajya Paksha's general secretary Rajendra Phanse says he is aggrieved by the abrupt hike in petrol prices that came into effect from May 23.

According to Patil, the vacation bench of the high court has adjourned the hearing till June 20 while directing the parties to file their replies.

The petition argues that the hike in petrol prices is unjust, illegal and against the principles of natural justice and is affecting the entire country.

It adds that price of petrol changes from city to city in the country which is nothing but a geographical discrimination and therefore rates of petrol must be equal and uniform in the country.

The PIL seeks a uniform price of petrol throughout the country on par with the price in Port Blair which is Rs 58.06 per liter. The petition has also sought for constitution of a petrol, diesel, CNG and LPG regulatory body.