The Orissa High Court has raised serious concerns over the alleged grant of permission to a public sector company to set up 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 Cognisance 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 bench observed that petrol and diesel are highly inflammable materials, and any short circuit could cause not only damage to property but also severe casualties. It emphasised the onerous duty of the authorities to take appropriate steps in this regard.
The court recorded: “The instant public interest litigation (PIL) is taken out by the petitioners alleging that the competent authority has granted permission to set up the petroleum retail outlet at a place, which is beneath the high tension electric line.” Pratyusha Naidu represented the petitioners.
State's Response and Court's Direction
Appearing for the state, counsel 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.
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.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on May 20, when the inspection report will be placed before the court.
