Parliament Question: Litigation cases involving oil PSUs pending for more than 10 years

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS RAJYA SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO - 3485 ANSWERED ON - 23/03/2026 LITIGATION CASES INVOLVING OIL PSUS PENDING FOR MORE THAN 10 YEARS

3485. SHRI HARIS BEERAN:

SMT. RANJEET RANJAN:

SMT. JEBI MATHER HISHAM:

Will the Minister of PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS be pleased to state:

(a) whether it is a fact that large number of litigation cases involving oil PSUs are pending for more than 10 years at various legal forums;

(b) whether Government has assessed the financial implications of such prolonged litigation;

(c) whether Government is considering to implement any monitoring mechanisms including online systems to reduce litigations; and

(d) if so, the details thereof, if not, the details therefor? ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS (SHRI SURESH GOPI)

(a) to (d): As per information collated from all Oil and Gas Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), at present around 4,558 litigation cases involving oil and gas PSUs are pending for more than 10 years and the total financial implication / contingent liability involved in these cases is approximately ₹ 6386 Crore.

All major Oil and Gas PSUs have developed an online litigation monitoring system

(OLMS), functioning as a centralized, automated, and AI-powered platform for efficient case tracking, legal process management, compliance monitoring and to provide daily case updates of the matters along with order sheets, enabling efficient handling in litigation tracking & discovery adopting digital transformation.

To expedite case resolutions, proactive measures such as filing early hearing applications, requesting mentions for early disposal, and maintaining regular follow-ups and conferences with legal counsels are being implemented. These efforts aim to ensure consistent listing of cases and facilitate prompt resolution of legal matters. Periodic review of cases with the advocates is undertaken to assess all matters which can be settled mutually. These settlements save time by avoiding prolonged legal processes and contribute to substantial cost savings by minimizing legal fees and court expenses.

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