HC displeased with probe into dispensing of less fuel at petrol pumps

Lucknow: A displeased Lucknow-bench of Allahabad High Court on Friday handed over the probe into dispensing of lesser quantity of petrol and diesel at fuel pumps using electronic chips to Superintendent of Police (North).

The court, while expressing displeasure over the same, asked the Uttar Pradesh government to get the devices installed at the petrol pumps to prevent the malpractice.

The bench, comprising Justice AR Masoodi, also ordered the Yogi Adityanath government to implement the order in consultation with oil companies within a time frame of not more than four months.

The court pointed out there were doubts on the intend of the Investigating Officer of the case and claimed that instead of simplifying the manner of probe, the IO had rather complicated it under the directions of the executive magistrate which raises a serious concern.

The court also lambasted the UP Chief Secretary saying that the state government employees and oil companies officials were being given leverage in the alleged wrongdoings and even the chief secy had not come up with a clean stand in the cause to eradicate the public sufferings.

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The bench made the remark while hearing a bunch of petitions filed by petrol pump owners challenging different orders of the lower court.

During the hearing, the court also came to know that the probe was not at par with the standards and the chargesheet was moved only on the basis of oral evidence of some witnesses and recovery memo of electronic chips.

The court found out that the stock of fuel at the pumps was neither verified nor the quality tested which raises suspicion against the state government employees and oil companies officials.

Taking cognizance of the situation in the case, the court handed over probe to SP City (North) and directed him to carry out the further investigation in assistance of the district judge.

It also claimed that if the state government employees or oil companies officials are found to be indulged in the misdoings and booked, the state government would grant prosecution sanction within three months.