The Orissa High Court has raised serious concerns over the alleged grant of permission to a public sector oil company for establishing a petroleum retail outlet beneath a high-tension electricity line in Derabish Tehsil of Kendrapada district. The court termed the issue a potential threat to life and property.
Court Takes Cognizance of PIL
Hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Annapurna Muduli and four other residents of Derabish tehsil, a division bench comprising Chief Justice Harish Tandon and Justice M. S. Raman took cognisance of the matter on May 2. The petitioners alleged that the competent authority had granted permission to set up the petroleum retail outlet at a location beneath a high-tension electric line.
Bench Expresses Concern Over Risks
“We are not unmindful of the fact that petrol or diesel being the highly inflammable material, in case of any short circuit, it may cause not only damage to the property but may cause severe casualties of life and, therefore, it is the onerous duty on the part of the authority to take appropriate step in this regard,” the Bench observed, expressing concern over the risks involved. The order's web copy was released online on Monday.
Ms. Pratyusha Naidu represented the petitioners in court.
State Seeks Time for Verification
Appearing for the state, Counsel Ms. Biswabara Dash submitted that the authorities would look into the allegations and not ignore the issue. She told the court that “the authorities cannot shut eyes to such allegations,” and sought time for a field-level verification.
Court Orders Spot Inspection
Accepting the submission, the bench directed the competent authority to carry out a spot inspection to assess the actual situation and possible hazards. “In order to enable the authorities to make a spot verification and assess any danger and/or casualty that may be caused, let the matter be listed on 20th May, 2026. The report shall be filed by the competent authority on the said date,” the HC ordered.
Next Hearing Scheduled
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 20, when the inspection report will be placed before the court. The High Court's intervention underscores the importance of safety regulations in the establishment of fuel stations near critical infrastructure.
