The CBI has urged the Bombay High Court to dismiss a petition that sought the registration of an FIR against Reliance Industries Ltd, stating that action can only be taken if requested by ONGC or the government.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has presented its views before the Bombay High Court, asserting that it can only proceed with an inquiry against Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) if requested by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) or the central government. This statement came during hearings regarding a petition filed by social activist Jitendra Maru, who alleged that RIL caused financial harm to the government in a gas migration case and requested the FIR registration. The CBI clarified that applications from third parties cannot initiate an FIR.
This legal contention is rooted in a two-and-a-half-decade-old case regarding a Production Sharing Contract (PSC) established on April 12, 2000, by the central government with RIL and Niko Limited for petroleum exploration in the Krishna-Godavari basin off the Andhra Pradesh coast. The case involves allegations of misconduct related to gas exploration that have persisted for many years, highlighting ongoing tensions between private enterprises and government oversight in India's oil and gas sector.
The outcome of this hearing is significant not only for RIL but also for the government’s regulatory framework, as it raises questions about accountability and the role of civil society in monitoring corporate activities. The CBI's stance and the High Court's decision will likely have far-reaching implications for how such complaints are addressed in future, setting a precedent for similar cases across the country.
