HC sets aside norms for access permission for fuel stations

‘Procedure adopted by State in framing guidelines wanting in many aspects’

The Kerala High Court has set aside government guidelines on granting access permission for setting up fuel stations along the State highways and major district roads.

The verdict was passed on a batch of writ petitions filed by some of the oil-marketing companies and their franchisees challenging the guidelines, which include minimum plot size and ban on fuel stations within a certain distance from the road junctions. According to the petitioners, the guidelines were framed and approved without giving any opportunity to the stakeholders. The guidelines were identical to the Indian Road Congress standards which were withdrawn by the Centre.

The State government contended that the guidelines were formulated, taking into account the safety of road users and smooth flow of traffic along the State highways and major district roads.