The Bombay High Court has dismissed a criminal writ petition filed by Jitendra P. Maru seeking directions to the Central Bureau of Investigation to register an FIR and investigate alleged illegal gas extraction involving Reliance Industries Limited.

The petitioner alleged that Reliance had engaged in unauthorized extraction of gas from adjoining ONGC-operated wells in the Krishna Godavari basin, resulting in wrongful gain and loss to the public exchequer. It was contended that earlier findings and reports pointed towards illegal extraction and unjust enrichment.

Opposing the plea, the respondents submitted that the allegations, even if accepted, disclosed at best a civil dispute and did not constitute any cognizable offence warranting registration of an FIR. It was further argued that the petitioner’s reliance on prior proceedings was misplaced, as no direction for registration of FIR had been issued therein, and that the complaint had already been examined and closed by the CBI.

The respondents also contended that the petitioner was a third party, while the entities concerned, including ONGC and the Union of India, had not sought criminal action. It was submitted that ONGC was at liberty to approach the CBI if it deemed appropriate.

However, the High Court declined to entertain the writ petition and dismissed it, bringing the proceedings to a close.

Appearances: 

Adv Amit Munde. Special Public Prosecutor appeared on behalf of CBI