HC allows RIL to amend plea in case with NTPC

The Bombay High Court today allowed Mukesh Ambani-owned Reliance Industries (RIL) to amend its written submissions in its case with NTPC, to take into account the government’s stand regarding allocation and pricing of gas from the Krishna-Godavari basin.

However, Justice Anup Mohta at the request of NTPC lawyer allowed NTPC six weeks to file an appeal if the power major wants to.

RIL, which won the bid to supply NTPC with 12 mmscmd gas in 2003, is now locked in a court battle with the power major as to whether contract between the two parties has been concluded or not. Seeking to amend its submissions, RIL had said last month that it wanted to incorporate the Union Government’s stand on pricing and allocation of gas, as made clear by the government’s affidavit in RIL and RNRL (Reliance Natural Resources Ltd) case. (RIL-RNRL dispute was heard by another bench of High Court, and judgement is awaited.)

RIL contends that even if NTPC won the case, the supply of gas would be subject to the government policy, as finalised by an Empowered Group of Ministers.