Question : EMPOWERMENT OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS REGULATORY BOARD

(a) whether the High Court of Delhi has held that the Petroleum & Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) is not empowered to authorize companies for laying, building and operating Natural gas distribution networks;

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the court came to the above conclusion in the absence of the non-notification of Section 16 of the PNGRB Act;

(d) if so, the reasons for non-notification of Section 16 of the said Act when all other provisions were notified by the Government vide notification dated 01-10-2007;

(e) whether the Government proposes to repeal Section 16 of the Act;

(f) if so, the details thereof ; and

(g) the reasons for not appointing the full compliment of PNGRB Board Members envisaged in the Act ?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS (SHRI JITIN PRASADA)

(a): Yes, Madam.

(b) & (c): Hon’ble Delhi High Court in its judgement dated 21-10-2010 in WP(C) Nos 8415/2009 and 9022/2009 has held that, in view of non-notification of Section 16 of PNGRB Act, 2006, the Board has no power to grant authorization to entities for laying, building, operating or expanding City or Local Natural Gas Distribution Networks.

(d): The above provision has not been brought into force because it was considered that it tends to give unintended benefit to the entities which have undertaken City Gas Distribution projects without due authorization of the Central Government.

(e): No, Madam.

(f): Does not arise.

(g): Government has appointed Chairperson and other Members, including Member (Legal), as per requirement of Section 3(3) of the PNGRB Act, 2006.