A.Chellapan vs THE CHAIRMAN

WP No. 42620 of 2026
IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS
DATED: 26-10-2026
CORAM
THE HON'BLE MS. JUSTICE P.T. ASHA
WP No. 42620 of 2026
CNR:{HCMA012488632026}
AND
WMP NO. 47883 OF 2026
A.Chellapan
..Petitioner(s)
Vs
1. The Chairman
Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board,
E-400, 4th Floor,
Tower E, World Trade centre,
New Delhi 110 029
2. The General Manager
Indian Oil Corporation limited,
Indian Oil Bhavan,
139 Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Nungambakkam High Road,
Chennai 34
3. The General Manager
GAIL (India) Limited,
CTS Building, BSNL Complex,
No. 16 Greams Road,
Chennai 6
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
4. The Divisional Manager
City Gas Distribution system,
Indian Oil Corporation limited,
Salem Bangalore Bypass road,
Kondalampatty, Salem 636 010
5. The Manager
IOCL, City Gas Distribution (CGD),
No. 965, 2nd Floor, Harita Centre,
Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641 018
..Respondent(s)
Prayer: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India
praying to issue a Writ of Mandamus directing the respondents 1 to 5 to
act upon the representation dated 18.08.2026 submitted by the petitioner
seeking to shift the proposed city gas station project in S.No. 65/1,
Sikkampatti Village, Omalur Taluk, Salem district which is adjacent to
residential settlement as well as the petitioner’s ACS Thirumana
Mandapam in S.No. 65/4 of the said village and consequently direct the
respondents to establish such hazardous gas distribution station in any
other remote locality.
For Petitioner(s): Mr.S.Thanka Sivan
For Respondent(s): Mr.Mohammed Fayaz Ali,
Standing Counsel for R1-R5
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
Order
This writ petition has been filed seeking a mandamus to direct the
respondents 1 to 5 to act upon the representation dated 18.08.2026
submitted by the petitioner seeking to shift the proposed city gas station
project in S.No. 65/1, Sikkampatti Village, Omalur Taluk, Salem district
which is adjacent to residential settlement as well as the petitioners ACS
Thirumana Mandapam in S.No. 65/4 of the said village and consequently
to direct the respondents to establish such hazardous gas distribution
station in another remote locality.
2. The petitioner, who owns a Kalyana Mandapam in the adjacent
property, contends that the proposed gas station is situated close to the
Mandapam, where about 3,000 to 4,000 persons gather for marriages and
other functions, and to nearby residential and commercial establishments,
thereby raising serious safety concerns. Despite submitting representations
dated 18.08.2026 and 08.10.2026, the petitioner alleges that the
respondents have neither furnished the relevant project plans and safety
details nor considered his objections. Hence, the petitioner has filed the
present writ petition seeking a direction to the respondents to consider his
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
representation, furnish the relevant project details and safety plans, and
relocate the proposed gas station to a suitable place away from the
Mandapam and residential areas.
3. Heard the learned counsel on both sides and perused the materials
available on record.
4. Considering the facts and circumstances of the case, this Court,
without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, directs the
respondents to consider and pass appropriate orders on the petitioner’s
representations dated 18.08.2026 and 08.10.2026 on merits and in
accordance with law, within a period of four weeks from the date of
receipt of a copy of this order. Accordingly, this writ petition is disposed
of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.
26-10-2026
Index: Yes/No
Speaking/Non-speaking order
Neutral Citation: Yes/No
SRN
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
To
1. The Chairman
Petroleum and Natural gas Regulatory Board,
E-400, 4th Floor,
Tower E, World Trade centre,
New Delhi 110 029
2. The General Manager
Indian Oil Corporation limited,
Indian Oil Bhavan,
139 Mahatma Gandhi Road,
Nungambakkam High Road,
Chennai 34
3. The General Manager
GAIL (India) Limited,
CTS Building, BSNL Complex,
No. 16 Greams Road,
Chennai 6
4. The Divisional Manager
City Gas Distribution system,
Indian Oil Corporation limited,
Salem Bangalore Bypass road,
Kondalampatty, Salem 636 010
5. The Manager
IOCL, City Gas Distribution (CGD),
No. 965, 2nd Floor, Harita Centre,
Avinashi Road, Coimbatore 641 018
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
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WP No. 42620 of 2026
P.T.ASHA J.
SRN
WP No. 42620 of 2026
AND
WMP NO. 47883 OF 2026
26-10-2026
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