PIL filed in Supreme Court challenging E20 petrol policy
New Delhi: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Centre's Ethanol Blending Programme, which mandates the sale of petrol blended with 20% ethanol (E20). The petitioner, Advocate Akshay Malhotra, has urged the Court to direct the government to provide an ethanol-free petrol (E0) option for consumers.
The petition argues that making only E20 petrol available without offering an alternative violates the fundamental rights of millions of vehicle owners whose vehicles are incompatible with the higher ethanol blend. It also contends that the policy has been implemented without adequate public awareness, undermining the right to informed consumer choice under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.
Key concerns raised
* Lack of awareness: Consumers are allegedly not informed that they are purchasing ethanol-blended fuel, with no clear labelling at fuel stations.
* Vehicle compatibility: Vehicles manufactured before April 2023 and even some recent BS-VI models are reportedly not designed to handle E20 fuel, which could result in corrosion, reduced efficiency, and increased maintenance costs.
* No price benefit: Despite ethanol being cheaper than petrol, the petitioner claims the price of fuel has not been reduced, and the cost advantage has not been passed on to consumers.
* Deviation from global norms: The petition points to the availability of ethanol-free fuel and proper fuel labelling in countries like the US and EU, contrasting it with the Indian scenario where motorists are unaware of what their vehicles are being filled with.
Reliefs sought
* Ensure ethanol-free petrol (E0) is available at all fuel stations.
* Mandate clear labelling of ethanol content at petrol pumps and fuel dispensers.
* Inform consumers during refuelling whether their vehicles are compatible with ethanol-blended petrol.
* Direct the Ministry of Consumer Affairs to enforce consumer protection rules and issue proper advisories.
* Conduct a nationwide study on the impact of 20% ethanol-blended petrol (E20) on fuel efficiency and wear-and-tear in non-compatible vehicles.
The Supreme Court is expected to take up the matter for hearing in due course.
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Karnataka: College student dies by suicide in Dharwad, 3 policemen suspended
Dharwad (Karnataka) (PTI): A college student allegedly died by suicide here, following which three policemen were suspended over allegations of harassment linked to his death by the victim's family.
Aditya Myageri, a BSc student at a private college here, was among 18 students detained by the Vidyagiri police on April 25 during an anti-drug drive, police said on Wednesday.
He hailed from Belur village in Bagalkot district, but was staying with his friends at a rented accommodation in Girinagar area of Dharwad city, police said.
Among the 18 students tested, Aditya was among the 10 who had tested negative for ganja consumption and was subsequently released.
Some of his roommates, however, tested positive.
According to police, Aditya's family alleged that despite testing negative, he was harassed by police. They also claimed some policemen demanded Rs 2,000 to settle the matter and threatened legal action if he failed to pay.
He had called his mother asking for money, but she could not arrange it immediately, the family claimed.
On Monday night, Aditya allegedly died by suicide by hanging from a ceiling fan at his rented accommodation, with his family alleging police harassment and pressure over demand for money drove him to the extreme step, a senior police officer said.
Police Commissioner N Shashi Kumar told PTI that an unnatural death case has been registered at Vidyagiri police station. Three policemen have been suspended over the allegations, and further investigation is underway.
