Bombay HC Examines Plea Seeking CBI Inquiry into Reliance Gas Theft Case

Mumbai, Nov 14: In a major development in India’s energy sector, the Bombay High Court (HC) has issued a notice on a petition seeking a CBI investigation against Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) and its directors over allegations of gas theft worth $1.55 billion from ONGC. The petition was filed by Jitendra P Maru, who has alleged theft, dishonest misappropriation, and breach of trust.

Allegations Against RIL

The petition claims that between 2004 and 2013-14, RIL extracted gas from ONGC’s Northern Areas, or “sideways,” in its KG-D6 petroleum blocks. The estimated value of the alleged misappropriation is over $1.55 billion (approx. ₹13,000–14,000 crore), with an additional interest component of $174.9 million.

The petitioner has requested that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) register a criminal case and carry out investigations, including seizure of assets in accordance with the contract.

Bombay High Court’s Position

While the HC has issued notice on the petition, this does not imply any finding of guilt. It is an initial procedural step, with the court seeking responses on whether a CBI investigation, FIR registration, and asset seizure are warranted.

RIL’s Response

RIL, led by Mukesh Ambani, has maintained that the gas in question was “migratory”, naturally moving from neighboring fields, and therefore its extraction was lawful. The company further stated that the matter is distinct from earlier civil-arbitral disputes and should be treated as a fresh issue.

Independent consultancy DeGolyer & MacNaughton (D&M) confirmed that gas extraction did occur, but the legal consequences remain contested.