Jammu, Dec 19: Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed that effective measures should be taken for effective distribution of LPG Cylinders in the State.
A Special Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice  M M Kumar and Justice JP Singh after considering the proceedings of the committee appointed to look into hassle free supply of the LPG said: “The distributors/dealers opted to have their LPG distribution locations either within the major town/cities or near the highway which is highly detrimental to the consumers of far flung areas.”
After hearing parties the Division Bench directed  for ensuring effective distribution of LPG cylinders, particularly in the far flung areas of hilly terrain.
Division Bench directed that there should be no area in Jammu or Kashmir province which is not be covered for LPG supply saying it has been agreed by the Oil Companies.
“The area which is not included within the territory of an authorized dealer would not be deprived of supply of LPG cylinders.  Once such consumer who has not been supplied LPG is found by the Deputy Commissioner, then the nearest authorized dealer or the authorized dealer of the adjoining area would make spot distribution of LPG cylinders” the court said.
 It said the distributor would not put forward any excuse that the area pointed out by the Deputy Commissioner is not included in his dealership agreement nor any objection would be raised by the Oil Company.”
 “In its turn the Oil Company may have to release additional supply to such authorized dealer to the extent he is asked by the Deputy Commissioner to supply LPG on account of supply made by him to the uncovered area. A copy of this order shall be sent to all the Deputy Commissioners of the State who shall give it a wide publicity so that it may reach to all those who need the supply of LPG” court held.
The Court said that any consumer facing any difficulty may request through the nearest police station or Government sale centre of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department.
“If any such request is received by the CAPD Department/Police Department, the same shall also be forwarded to the Deputy Commissioner for necessary action,” the court said.
The Division Bench further directed that the menace of black marketing of LPG or its misuse for commercial/industrial purposes is also required to be kept under check.

Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Dec 2012 21:30:00 Makkah time
Lastupdate on : Wed, 19 Dec 2012 18:30:00 GMT
Lastupdate on : Thu, 20 Dec 2012 00:00:00 IST