Bombay High Court Orders Maintenance of Offline LPG Booking System to Avoid Public Inconvenience The Bombay High Court has issued a significant directive to the central government and oil companies, mandating that the existing offline booking and delivery processes for LPG cylinders must remain operational to prevent hardships for the public. The court emphasized that any changes to the system should not create difficulties for ordinary citizens, particularly in areas with limited internet connectivity or where smartphone access is scarce. This decision comes amid growing concerns over the challenges posed by the government’s push for a fully digital distribution model. The court’s order, delivered by a bench comprising Justice Anil Kilore and Justice Raj Wakode, stated that while technological advancements are beneficial, they should not compromise the basic needs of the population. The directive specifically requires that delivery authentication codes (DACs) be mandatory for every cylinder delivery. This measure was introduced to streamline monitoring under the digital system but was later suspended, leading to widespread complaints from users. The court clarified that the digital system cannot be the sole method of operation, ensuring that offline processes remain viable. The LPG Distributors Association of India (LDAI) had petitioned the court, arguing that the transition to a fully digital system had caused significant disruptions. Association president Jayprakash Tiwari highlighted that the OTP-based distribution model had led to numerous issues, including delays in cylinder delivery and difficulties for rural and remote populations.#central_government #bombay_high_court #lpg_distributors_association_of_india #jayprakash_tiwari #lpg_cylinders
