Published Mar 23, 2026 | 3:58 PM ⚊ Updated Mar 23, 2026 | 3:58 PM
The Karnataka High Court. (Creative Commons)
Synopsis: “The situation is because of some events not within our control, the government is doing its best to ensure supply is not disrupted or at least disrupted. Leave it to the executive. Every day, the situation is changing. We will have to prioritise, we don’t know if the hotel should get priority or homes. There are several factors not within our control,” Mehta said.
The Karnataka High Court on Monday, 23 March, refused to entertain a petition seeking uninterrupted supply of LPG cylinders to hotels and restaurants in the state amid a supply crisis.
“The government is doing their best. Better than other countries. Can’t subject it to judicial review. I will pass an order (disposing of the plea), courts should not get into all this, that too in a war-like situation,” Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum said. The petition was filed by the Bangalore Hotels Association.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the Central government, responded that the situation is ever-evolving and that efforts are underway to ensure the least disruption of LPG supply in India.
“The situation is because of some events not within our control, the government is doing its best to ensure supply is not disrupted or at least disrupted. Leave it to the executive. Every day, the situation is changing. We will have to prioritise, we don’t know if the hotel should get priority or homes. There are several factors not within our control,” Mehta said.
Mehta also told the Court that the Central government is consulting with states about issues, and that the government at both levels have to be on the same page.
According to Bar and Bench, the petitioner association, meanwhile, urged the Court to keep the case pending to await the update of a meeting being held on Monday on the LPG crisis. He argued that Tamil Nadu and Kerala are better placed when it comes to the supply of LPGs, adding that Karnataka would also fare better if certain guidelines are properly followed.
SG Mehta, however, questioned this line of argument. “In a situation like this, both Central and State governments must be at par and there is no divergence. Examples of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, my learned friend cannot say there was any political bias or more supply given to those States. There must be good, cogent reasons,” the SG submitted.
He added that any additional grievance can be placed before the government for resolution.
(With inputs from Anisha Reddy)
