New Delhi, August 31:The Supreme Court on Monday dismissed a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking mandatory disclosure of the ethanol content in petrol, including a requirement for fuel stations to prominently display the exact percentage of ethanol blended in fuel and mention it on receipts and invoices issued to consumers.
A bench comprising Justices MM Sundresh and PB Varale dismissed the petition filed by advocate Narendra Goswami, while granting him liberty to approach the appropriate High Court with his grievance.
The PIL sought directions to petrol pumps to clearly display the precise percentage of ethanol blended with petrol. It also sought a direction requiring fuel stations to specifically mention the ethanol content on receipts and invoices provided to consumers.
During the hearing, Goswami clarified that he was not challenging the Centre's ethanol-blending policy, but was seeking greater transparency and the consumer's right to know the composition of the fuel being purchased.
"I have a right to be informed. If I buy petrol, there is no mention of E20," Goswami told the bench.
Attorney General R Venkataramani, appearing for the Centre, pointed out that the Supreme Court had previously dismissed petitions challenging the government's ethanol-blending policy.
Goswami, however, maintained that his petition was confined to the issue of disclosure. "I am not challenging the policy. I just want to know. I have the right to know," he submitted.
Drawing a comparison with packaged food products, Goswami argued that consumers are routinely provided information about ingredients before making a purchase. "Even when we buy a packet of biscuits, we know the ingredients," he said.
He also referred to earlier submissions made by the Centre before the Supreme Court, noting that the Attorney General had previously described the ethanol-blending programme as an "experiment" before subsequently issuing a clarification.
The bench, however, declined to entertain the PIL and dismissed the petition. At the same time, it left Goswami free to approach the competent authority or the appropriate High Court to pursue his grievance regarding disclosure of ethanol content in petrol.
