‘Energy Watchdog’ files PIL against BJP members on PSU boards

Energy Watchdog, a society for consumer protection in the energy sector has objected the selection of Shashi Shanker as the CMD and BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra in the post of non-official director of Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC).

Moving the Delhi High Court the petition was filed through advocate Prashant Bhushan opposing the recent appointments.

The two appointments were made in September 2017. The petition stated Sambit Patra, the official National Spokesperson of the ruling Party BJP at the Centre is operative in politics. The same can be seen on television screens in routine defending his party’s position on various matters. Being related to BJP promoter, his performance will be suspicious as an Independent Director.

This was in violation of Section 149(6) of the Companies Act 2013 and his name did not qualify the data bank’s eligible person willing to act as independent director.

Under pressure of the Central Government, the PIL claimed, ONGC has bought 80 percent equity stake for Rs 7,758 crore in the controversial project established by Gujarat State Govt-owned company GSPC.

The mentioned State is also ruled by the Political Party, BJP wherein Patra belongs.

The appointment of Shashi Shanker as the CMD has raised several questions on his blemished past incidents wherein 2015, the division of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas suspended him stating that he has committed gross misconduct.