Power Ministry to move SC, if needed, for RIL gas to NTPC

The power ministry today said that it would approach the Supreme Court in case it did not get favourable judgement in the Bombay High Court for supply of gas to NTPC from Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries (RIL).

"Of course. Why not. It is our right. There is nothing wrong in that," Power Secretary H S Brahma said when asked whether his ministry would approach the Supreme Court if required to get 12 mmscmd gas for NTPC from RIL KG-D6 fields at $2.34 mmBtu.

Brahma's comments came a day after a division bench of the high court allowed RIL to amend its plea in its suit against NTPC. RIL has stated that the bid price will get frustrated in view of government's assertion to fix gas price.

Asked if the power ministry would challenge the division bench order or ask NTPC to do so, the Secretary said, "We will go to court if we do not get justice."

On whether the ministry would seek to become an intervener in the ongoing gas dispute between Ambani brothers in the Supreme Court, he said the apex court would be approached only on NTPC-RIL case.

Asked about any chance of out of court settlement of the case, he said, "Absolutely not, unless they agree to our terms and conditions. I am not asking anything extra."