HC seeks reply from IOC on PIL demanding refund

The Allahabad High Court has sought response from IOC on a PIL demanding the company refund Rs 8 per LPG cylinder or provide for home delivery in rural areas. The court has fixed August 6 as the next date of hearing.

Hearing the PIL,filed by Mansoor,a resident of Kheevi village in Meerut, division bench of Chief Justice Shiva Kirti Singh and Justice Vikram Nath said: “Seek instructions only in respect of submission that although home delivery facility is not provided to LPG consumers in rural supply system,an amount of Rs 8 is charged or included in the retail sale price,can be levied only if home delivery is effected.’’ Bijendra Kumar Mishra,petitioner’s counsel,said,“Our contention is IOC does not provide home delivery in rural areas. Customers are supposed to fetch cylinders from a godown. However,retail sale price includes Rs 8 charged towards home delivery. Our prayer is that either Rs 8 per cylinder be refunded,or the company provide for home delivery.’’