Madras HC Directs PESO to Ensure Safety Standards at Fuel Outlets

The Madras High Court has directed the Petroleum and Explosive Safety Organisation (PESO) to conduct a thorough inquiry when granting prior site approval to ensure that locations for fuel outlets meet all relevant criteria outlined in the applicable rules.

According to PESO, formerly known as the Department of Explosives, it serves as the central agency responsible for overseeing the safety of hazardous substances such as explosives, compressed gas, and petroleum.

A bench of Chief Justice S V Gangapurwala and Justice D Bharatha Chakravarthy issued this directive while disposing of a Public Interest Litigation filed by advocate VBR Menon. The PIL sought, among other things, a directive for authorities to establish and announce appropriate site inspection and verification procedures within a specified time frame for adherence when issuing prior site approvals and final explosive licenses in Form No. XIV to Petroleum Retail Outlets.

The bench stated that while it may not be necessary to conduct a physical inspection in every case, whenever there is doubt or under circumstances deemed appropriate, PESO should also conduct physical inspections.

Upon PESO’s request, the relevant Revenue Tahsildar will assign the jurisdictional Surveyor to delineate boundaries, assist in locating retail outlet premises, and determine measurements between the site and nearby buildings, water bodies, and other features.