SC rejects RNRL plea for final hearing of gas row on Sept 1

The Supreme Court today refused to take up a gas dispute between Reliance Industries and RNRL for final hearing on September 1, rejecting the prayer of Anil Ambani Group company for expeditious proceedings.     

A bench headed Chief Justice K G Balakrishnan said it will decide on the date of final hearing on September 1 when it will consider various petitions related to the dispute.     

The RNRL prayer came up for mentioning and the company's counsel Mukul Rohtagi requested that final hearing be taken up on September 1 as the entire Bombay High Court record was before the apex court and nothing was left to be filed.     

"All parties are here," he said, referring to Mukesh Ambani-led RIL, the government and gas users.     

RIL counsel Harish Salve, however, questioned the need for early final hearing, saying "what public interest would this serve?"     

The court enquired whether the petitioner wanted interim arrangement on the September 1 or the final order, Rohtagi said that RNRL was not looking for interim arrangement.     

At this point Salve requested the court that there should be complete silence from all parties as people are going to the media.  

Additional Solicitor General Mohan Parasaran said the government also wanted early resolution of the dispute.     

The court said it will try to give an early date but the first week of September is not possible.Seeking early resolution to the gas supply dispute involving Mukesh Ambani led RIL and Oil Ministry, Anil Ambani yesterday said that his group firm RNRL would approach the Supreme Court for final hearing on September one.     

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear on September 1 cross-appeals by both Ambani group firms, as also a petition by the Petroleum Ministry against a Bombay High Court order that asked RIL to supply gas to RNRL at $2.34 per mmBtu against the officially prescribed $4.2 per mmBtu.

Also read: Settle gas dispute on Sept 1, Anil to tell SC