Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited v. State Of Tamilnadu

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 15.10.2025

CORAM:

THE HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE M.DHANDAPANI and W.M.P. No.44065 of 2025 Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd., Rep. by its Deputy General Manager - Installation, Chennai New Terminal, NCTPS Main Road, Athipattu Pudhu Nagar, Vallur Village, Chennai - 600 120.

... Petitioner vs.

1. The State of Tamil Nadu, Rep. by its Secretary to Government, Co-operation, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Ezhilagam, IV Floor, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

3. Director General of Police, State of Tamil Nadu, No.1, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004.

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4. Sundarrajan

5. S. Senthil Kumar ... Respondents Prayer : Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying to issue Writ of Mandamus, directing respondents 1 to 3, to invoke the powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and other statutory enactment to take immediate steps for ensuring uninterrupted and continuous supply of LPG products at all locations of the petitioner-Corporation in the State of Tamil Nadu.

For petitioner : Mr.M. Vijayan for M/s.King and Patridge For respondents : Mr.P. Kumaresan, Addl. Advocate General Asstd. By Mrs.S. Anitha Spl. Govt. Pleader for R1 & R2 Mr.S. Balaji Government Advocate (Crl. Side) for R3 Mr.T.D. Vasu for R4 & R5 - - - - - -

ORDER

This writ petition has been filed directing respondents 1 to 3 to invoke the powers under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and other statutory enactment to take immediate steps for ensuring uninterrupted and continuous supply of LPG products at all locations of the petitioner-Corporation in the State of Tamil Nadu.

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2. Ms.S.Anitha, learned Special Government Pleader who led by Mr.P.Kumaresan, learned Additional Advocate General takes notice for respondents 1 and 2; Mr.S.Balaji, learned Government Advocate (Crl. Side) takes notice for the 3rd respondent and Mr.T.D.Vasu, learned counsel takes notice for respondents 4 and 5.

3. By consent, the writ petition is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself.

4. The brief case of the petitioner is that the petitioner / Oil Corporation floated tenders for transportation of petroleum products by road to various parts of the State of Tamil Nadu through e-tender on 01.03.2025 and the same was finalised. The bulk LPG transportation contract is for a period of five years, which is valid till 31.08.2030. While so, the private respondents, who are the office bearers of Southern Region Bulk LPG Transport Owner's Association sent an e-mail dated 09.10.2025 pointing certain discrepancies. Subsequently, Lorry owners Association convened a General Body Meeting at Namakkal and decided to go for a strike. Hence, the petitioner has filed the present writ petition seeking the aforesaid relief.

5. Mr.P. Kumaresan, learned Additional Advocate General assisted by 3/6

Mrs.S. Anitha, learned Special Government Pleader appearing for the learned counsel for the petitioners, on instruction submits that the discrepancies pointed out by the LPG Contractors Association, which has led to strike would be addressed across the table so as to enable them to continue the supply of Petroleum products throughout the State of Tamil Nadu.

6. Mr.T.D.Vasu, learned counsel appearing for the respondents 4 and 5 on instructions submits that the aforesaid statement made by the learned Additional Advocate General may be recorded. Further, the learned counsel submits that the respondents 4 and 5 undertake that they will not resort to any strike.

7. Recording the submissions and the stand taken by either side, a direction is issued to the petitioner/Oil Corporation to resolve the issue with the Bulk LPG Tankers Owners Association to enable the contractors to operate the tanker lorries for transportation of Petroleum products throughout the State of Tamil Nadu as per the terms of the contract. The respondents 4 and 5 undertake that they will not go on strike. The said undertaking is also recorded. 4/6

8. Accordingly, recording the consent and undertaking given by the learned counsel appearing on either side, the writ petition stands disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed. 15.10.2025 Note : Issue order copy on 17.10.2025 Index:Yes/No Speaking/Non-speaking order vsi2 To

1. The Secretary to Government, State of Tamil Nadu, Co-operation, Food and Civil Supplies Department, Fort St. George, Chennai-600 009.

2. The Commissioner of Civil Supplies and Consumer Protection Department, Ezhilagam, IV Floor, Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005.

3. Director General of Police, State of Tamil Nadu, No.1, Dr. Radhakrishnan Salai, Mylapore, Chennai - 600 004.

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M. DHANDAPANI, J.

vsi2 and W.M.P. No.44065 of 2025 15.10.2025 6/6