HC seeks details of fuel outlets functioning with fake NOCs

A division bench comprising Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice VM Velumani passed the direction while dealing with a habeas corpus plea moved by a woman seeking to produce her husband, KL Sivakumar of Tiruvottiyur, who was detained under Goondas Act for allegedly fabricating NOCs for more than 30 persons after collecting Rs 3 lakh from each of them.

These NOCs are required to obtain licences from Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) to run fuel outlets. Also, recording the submission by Additional Public Prosecutor R Prathap Kuumar that the Centre was yet to respond to the 32 letters written to it regarding outlets functioning with fake NOCs, the bench suo motu impleaded the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry Secretary and the Chief Controller of Explosives, Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation.

The court then directed Assistant Solicitor General G Karthikeyan, who took notice on behalf of the newly impleaded respondents, to get instructions as to why no action has been taken against the 32 letters dated March 18, 2020, and reminders dated July 8 written by the Central Crime Branch authorities to PESO.

Sivakumar, along with others, had allegedly forged the seal of the Commissioner, Greater Chennai Police, who is the authority for issuing NOC to agencies for setting up LPG installation, high speed diesel storage facility for power generation, and underground tanks for petroleum products.

Finding that the detune was unwell, the bench directed the jail authorities to provide him treatment and posted the case for further hearing on July 23.