Supreme Court Dismisses Plea on Ethanol Disclosure in Petrol
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court of India has dismissed a petition demanding mandatory disclosure of ethanol content in petrol at fuel stations nationwide. The bench, comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale, concluded that the petitioner could address his concerns to the appropriate authority. “Petition dismissed. Open for petitioner to approach competent authority,” the Court stated in its order.
Petition Details and Court’s Response
The petition was filed by advocate Narendra Kumar Goswami, who sought a directive for the Central government to ensure that petrol pumps label the exact ethanol percentage in fuel. The Court, however, questioned the petitioner’s choice of approaching the Supreme Court directly rather than first approaching the High Court. “Who are you? You are practising where? Go to HC and file it,” Justice Sundresh asked during the proceedings.
Goswami defended his stance, asserting his right to be informed about the petrol he purchases, especially concerning the undisclosed E20 blend. “I have the right to be informed. I want to know. If I buy petrol there is no mention of E20,” he argued.
Government’s Stand and Past Rulings
Appearing for the Central government, Attorney General R Venkataramani opposed the plea, stating, “Your lordships have already dismissed pleas challenging the policy,” referencing earlier decisions where the Supreme Court upheld the government’s ethanol-blending policy. Goswami clarified that his petition was not against the policy but solely about the disclosure of ethanol content. “I am not challenging the policy. I just want to know. I have the right to know. Even when we buy a packet of biscuits, we know the ingredients,” he explained. Despite these arguments, the Supreme Court decided not to entertain the plea further.
Background on E20 Fuel
The E20 fuel, consisting of 20% ethanol and 80% petrol, forms a substantial part of the Indian government’s initiative to curtail crude oil imports, reduce emissions, and boost the use of homegrown biofuels. However, this shift has raised concerns regarding older vehicles potentially facing compatibility challenges, such as fuel system corrosion and diminished fuel efficiency. While automotive manufacturers have begun rolling out E20-compatible vehicles, apprehensions persist for vehicles sold before 2023.
More Read
In a related development, a district consumer disputes redressal commission in Raipur, Chhattisgarh, recently ordered Maruti Suzuki to replace a customer’s vehicle with an E20-compatible model after the car malfunctioned, allegedly due to E20 fuel usage. This decision underscores growing consumer and expert concerns about the widespread adoption of E20 fuel without offering alternatives.
