Authority: High Court of Meghalaya at Shillong

Order Date: 15.09.2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner – M/s Meghalaya Gas Agency, represented by Smti. Wandashisha Mylliemngap; Respondents – Indian Oil Corporation Ltd, Indian Oil‑Assam Oil Division, Dy. General Manager (LPG – Sales), and Dy. General Manager (Plant) of the North Guwahati LPG Bottling Plant.
  • Nature of proceedings: Writ petition (WP(C) No. 411 of 2026) challenging the debiting/recovery of amounts by Respondent No. 4 on account of Market Returns cylinders for the financial years 2023‑2024.
  • Allegations: Petitioner claims deductions began on 10‑03‑2026 without having been provided the ERV (Equipment Return Verification) records necessary to file a reply, resulting in total deductions of ₹10,32,000/‑.
  • Background: Petitioner relied on earlier orders of the Gauhati High Court (WP(C)/1469/2025) directing respondents to allow filing of a reply and to stay deductions until records are supplied. Petitioner asserts that despite these directions, deductions continued.
  • Contentions: Counsel for petitioner (Mr. K. Paul, Sr. Adv., assisted by Mr. S. Chanda and Mr. S. Khyriem) argued that the lack of ERV records violates the earlier court directions. Counsel for respondents (Mr. M. Sharma) acknowledged awareness of the Gauhati High Court judgment and expressed willingness to provide the ERV details within two weeks, after which the matter would be disposed following a personal hearing.

Final Outcome

  • Respondents are directed to furnish the ERV details to the petitioner, either as scanned copies or otherwise, within two weeks from the date of this order.
  • Petitioner must file a reply to the ERV details within three weeks of receipt.
  • Upon receipt of the reply, respondents shall dispose of the matter by a speaking order within two weeks, after affording the petitioner an opportunity for a personal hearing.
  • No further deductions shall be made on the account of the petitioner until the entire proceedings are concluded.
  • Respondents may also provide physical copies of the voluminous ERV records at the petitioner’s request; the petitioner may visit the respondents’ office to obtain these copies.
  • The writ petition is hereby closed and disposed of.

Topics: Court Order, LPG Cylinder Deductions, ERV Records