Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Act (Act No. 19 of 2006)

2 THE (jAZETTE OF INDIAEXTRAORDINARY [pAJrrll- f,I ,11 (3) It shallcome into force on suchdate as the CentralGovemmentmey, by notification in the Official Gazette,appoint Provided tb~ different dates.mey be appointed for different provisions.!lftl:lls Act and any reference many such provisiontothe'commencementofthls.Aetshall be construed as a reference. to the earninginto force of that provision. - - :'- .(4) It applies-to ~~firiing,'processing, storage, transportation, distribution, marketing ", and sdleofpetrcleum,petroleum productsand naturalgas excludingproductionof crudeoil and natural gas. Definitions. . 2. In thisAct, unless the context otherwise requires,- (0) "affiliate code of conductv meanathe code of conduct governing entities engaged in storage,transmission, distribution, marketing andsaleofnaturalgas under sub-section (1) of section 21; .: -(b) "AppellateTribunal" meansthe AppellateTribunalreferred . , to in section30; , (c) "appointed dey" means the date on which the Board is established under sub-section (1) of section 3; . (d) "auth9't'isedentity" means an enti~ (A) regtstrered by the Boardunder section IS - W.to market any notified petroleum, petroleum products or natural gas, or (il) to establish and operate liquefiednatural gas tenninals, or (B) authorisedby the Board under section 16 - . (I) to' lay, build, operate or expand a common, carrier or contract canier,or . (iI)·to lay. build; operate or· expand a citY, or local natural gas distribution network; - (e) "autoliquefied petroleumgas" means Ii mixture of certainlighthydrocarbons derived from petroleum, which eregaseous at normalemblem temperature and atmospheric pressure but may be Condensed to tho liquid state at normal .ambient temperature by the application of moderate' pressure, and which conform to such Specifications foruseas fuel ~ vehicles, asthe Central Government may, in consultation with the Bureau , ofIndiari . . . notio/ from Standards, timetotime; . . .. .. . " (f) "Board" meariS thePetroleum'and NaturalGasRegulatoryBoard established wider sub-sectioIi.(I) of sectlon 3; . " . (g) "Bureau of Indian:"· Standards" means llie Bureau of Indian Standards . . estebliahed under section 3 .oithe Bureau of Indian' Standards Act, 1986; (h) "Cliairj)ei-WD,r , means die -~ersdn'-ofthe Board"eppclnted under sub- ' 6~ of 19&6. seWOD. (1) ufsectlon 4; ., ;. '. , an (J) "cil¥ or local natural gas distribution''oetWork-' means ·futer~Jineded network of~ pipelines andthe associated Cquipment used fer transporting natural gas from a bulk supply high pressure tninsmission main to the medium pressure distribution grid and subsequentlyto the service pipes supplying natural gas. to domestic, Industrial or.commercial premises and CNG stations situated in a specified' geographical area. ' . . Explanation.-Forthe purposes of thisclause, theexpressionsvhigh pressure" and "medium pressure" Shall:r;nean such pressure as the Central Government Dl.:ay, by notification, specifyto be high pressure or, as the case may be, medium pressure; , " SEC. I] TIlE GAZEUE OF INDIA EJITRAOllDINARY 3 (j) "common carrier"means such pipelines for transportation of petroleum, petroleum products andnatural gas bymore th!m oneentityas tbciBo~rc:l"may declare or authorise from time to timeon a non-discriininatory open access basis under sub- section (3}of section 20, but doesnot-include pipelines laid to su»plY----' (1) petroleum products or naturalgas to a specific consumer; or (il) crudeoil; Explanation.- Forthe purposes of this clause, a contract cafriersballbetreated asacommoncarrier, if";"'- (I) such contract carrier has aurplus cepecity over and above tile-firm contracts entered into; or... : (if) the finn contract period ~ expired• . (ot) "eNGistat!en" means filling stationwhereoneor moredispensing unitsare provided fO.f sale of compressed natural gas; -. - - - -". -~ . _ '(J)"'li$mpresse4 ~ &!is or e.N"G" i.D~s.naturargaS used asfuelfbrvehlcles, tfPically. ~mpres5e4 to the presSurefmng.,ing"'frem 200 to' 250.bars in th.e gaseous state; . .' '(nil 'lccmract carrier" means such Ripelines f~ traIlSp,OitatiOP. of petroleum, petrefeum prodi!W ~dnatural' ~ bym.o~,~ one ep.tityplP,'S~ttO finn contracts for at least';pneyCflf ~ may-be deo~ or ~orised.-t)y the B_oata fromtime to time und'et'Is.ub-secti6n (3) of s~O!J- 2~; " - , :,(~) ~~eaI~' means:a perso~ a.ssticiatiQD ofperso~ fiml; c9n1paPyorw-<>perative sOciety,'.by.}vha¢oever n.9.nie,:ea,lled oi:;refe~ecHGj an~ appomtedbY ~ oilcompany to purchase, rFi~e, store an~:seU n{otcr spirit;~li speed-di~el;.~~o~ kerosene oil, autaliquefied p_etrOloUD;i ~ or natural ~;- ..' - (o) "distrl'~utoi:" ~ a ~rsoD, ~~,ifrtion of:perspps, ~c90fDP~Y. or co- op~,ve societY, bywii~ever.~e ~ pdeferred tel, and ~pppi~.ted;by'an oil cOmPanY·~ purl:,~. recei~o, Store and septo c6Dsumers-liquefi..Cd,p'ctto!eum gas in ifY1inI;Ietl;- -' .:' _. _. .: -. ---' -,"" _.(p) ..~tY" meenaaperson, ~iationot~t-sonB-, b. companYorCo-:op'erative ' Society, br.whatsoever name called or referred ~; other than a dOaler o,r distributer; ~d enga'ged or-intendmg 00: be en~~ -iii ri?.f1nin21 PIt>OOSS~ storage" ~p~rtati9n. . distn"utiOll, malketing, import .n,feJ<P.Oit ofpeJroleum;,petrOI_produe,ts and natural ,-. gasdncludlng JJ.ying of pipelines for 1I'anI>port8tioti efpetrolelllrt; pett;olCum products and ~ gasi er laying. buildiqg, opera~g.o~ exp~din$ city.br local natural gas :: distribution netivor~ or ~lishi:i1g and operatinga liqueti¢ neniral:gas te,nilinal; - (q) "~~hipge ?f products" shallm~ -~vin&~.and rccenfms70f a petrcleum ·p"roduct" in-accordance with an agreemententered into· by the co~l'J1~ entitiee; (r) ''high ~ iji~'!!leans IlIIY.hYp'0carbonoil (oxcludlilg mineral colza oil . and turpentine·sub~). which: conforms to such -sPecificatiOJis for use as fuel in . coInpreSsion ignition eilgip.~ 8s_ttieJ,eent:ral-~vcmment !MY,-ih conaultatien with the Bureau ofIildiarrS~~~ ~tUYf!o.m.$ile to tinie; - '.. -, (~) "kerosene pr SU"r:JI)f.kero~Q~t~H" means-a middle 4is1:!iJ*, mixture of hydrocarhons~chCo~mis to ~cti,sPec~~ons~ as the Centr8I Goveimnentmay, in consultation With the:'~ ofIndiail . , . Smn'aaids. DQtifyfrom - to tiriie; time -,' .,- - (t). "liqucfied:~ gas:te~" means the faCilities_ and infrastructure requiredre-, (i) receive Uqyefied'DJltu¥ gas; em itore liquefied natuial gas; .I~;

4 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [pARr IT- , .' (iii) enableregasification cif liquefiednaturalgas; and (iv) transportregasifiedliquefiednaturalgas till the outsideboundaries of the facility; • (u) "liquefied petroleum gas" means amixture ofllghthydrdcerbons containing propane, isobutane, normal butane. butylenes, or such other substance which is gaseous atnonnal ambienttemperature andatmospheric pressure but maybe condensed to liquid. state at normal ambient temperature by the application of pressure and confonns to suchspecfflcanons, as the Central Govemmentmay in consultation with the Bureauof IndianStandards. notify tram time to time; (y) "local distribution entity" means an entityauthorised by the Board under or section 20 to lay, build, operate expand a city or local natural gas distribution . network; . .,' (w) "marketing service obligations"meansobligations- (I) to set up marketinginfrastructureand retail outlets in remote areas in respect ofnotlfied petroleumand petroleum products; (il) to maintain minimum stock of notified petroleum and petroleum products; (iii) ofa localdistributionentity to supplynatural gas to consumers; and ~, . (iv) such'other cbllgaticns as may be specified byregulatlons; (x) "maximum retailprice" means the maximum pricefixedby an entityatwhich the petroleum, petroleumproducts an~, natural gas maybe sold to the retail consumers and includes.all taxes, cessand levies, local or otherwiseand freight or commission . para,ble to the dealers; , (y) "member" means,amemberof the Boud appointedundersub-section (1) of section4 and includes the Member (Legal) and the Chairperson; (z) "mctor spirir'meana anyhydrocarbonoil (excluding crude.mineral oil) used , as fuel iri sparkignitionengineswhich conforms to such specifications, as the Central Governmentmay, in consultation withthe BureauofIndianStandards. notifyfrom time, 'tot~: ,.' (za) "naturafgas" means gas obtained from bore-hoiesand ~nsisting primarily of hydrocarbons and includes- . , (I) gas,in,liqu.id stite. ~ely. liquefiednatural gas andregasffied liquefied ~~gas, , " (il) compressed natural gas, . . (iiI) gas imported through transnational pfpeIines, including CNG,or liquefied natural gas, , ',' '" . , ... (iv) gaS recovered from gas'bydratee .snatwal gas, (\I) ~~e obtajiiect 'fro~ coal seams,'namely, coal bed methane, but does not. includehelium occurring in associationwith',such hydrocarbons; . (zb). "notiflcetion" mean: ~ notificationpublished in the official G~ and the expression "notified" with its cognate meanings and grammatical variations, shall be construed accordingly; , , (~c) "notifi~ petroleum, petrole~ p~ducts and natural :gas" means such petroleum, petroleumproductsandnatural gas as the CentralGovernment maynotify from time to time, afte:r being .satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to do for, maintaining or increasingtheir supplies or for seeming their equiiabledistribution or ensuring 'adequate availability; . ' SEC. I] TIlE GAZETTE OF 1ND~·EXTRA9RDINARY 5 I Of 1956. (ui) "oilcompany" means a company registeredundertheCompaniesAct, 1956 and includes an association of persons, societyor firm, by whatsoever-name called ot referred to, for carrying out an actlvityrelating to petroleum, petroleum products and natural gas; (ze) "petroleum" meansanyliquid bydrccarben or mixture ofbydroearbons, and, •anyinflammable mixture (liquid, viscous or sC3lid) containing anyliquid bydrecarton, including crude oiland.liquefiedpetrolepmgas, and theexpression 'petroleum product' shall mean anyproductmanufactured frompetroleum; (zj) "pipeline accesscode" means the code to establish a framework far third party access to pipelines' undersub...clause'{J) ofclause (e) efsection 1J; (zg) "prescribed" means prescribed byrules made byitbe Central Government· under !hisAct; (zh) "regulations" meansregulations made bytbe Board under this Act; (zi) "restrictive trade practice!' means a-trade practice which-has; or mayhave, the'effect of preventing, distorting .or restricting competition, in anY manner and iii. particular,":' . . , (I) which'tends,toobstruet the f1~~ of-capital or resources into the stre~; of production, o t ' . " . " , (ii) which. tends to brtng about: m:anipu!.ationot' prices,ot' conditions 9f , the delivery or to affectthe flowof supplies iii, marketrcIatmg to petroleum, . petroleum products'ot: natural gas 01' sei:vices in such manneras to Impose on the COnsumers unju:stifiCd,-cO~'ts or r.estFicti!;tns;· ' , (zj) "retail outlet" means fil1iJ:tg: statierr wJi~ poe or- more dij;pensing pIimps havetteen provided for sal~ of mator spiri~'higli;-s~ diesel, auto-liquefied petroleum gas ornaturalgas-and includes distributorShip forliquefied " " . ' ,. " PetrGleum:gas or-dealership , for superior kerosene oHarCNG saaponm .:' . '. (zk) "retail'service cbiigatiens" Il).~'obp~ons of.d~C1rsand distributors for maintaining supplies to co,nsWQers:,througbolJ,t th}.specified work,irig hours ~~ of' specified quality, qWlJltityandilupl!lY ofm8xiql~ retail prlceof notified petroleum, petroleum products and naturaI'W including C]'lGalJd suchetherobligations, as ~y . be specified by regulatio~;' "', ". . .(zl) "rules"means rules made by ~e 'Central Governrn.~nt.und~this'Act; (zm) "Secretary" meansthe secretarY of the Board; (m) ''transPQri:atiQD rate", in relation ~,cOininODcamei; er coJit.ictcarrieror a cityor loqal natural gasdistribution netWork;: meanssuch rare for moliing each unitof' ,petroleum, petroleum products o~ natural.g~ !IS ~y b,e fixed ~ re~ations.. . CHAPTBRU· , PbRouEtiM , AND NAlURALGASReol:lL:4TeRY BOARD'· : "

6 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [pARTII- (3)TheBoardshallconsist ofa Chairperson, a Member (Legal) andthreeothermembers to. be appointed by the CentralGovernment (4) The h~d office of the Board shall be at New Deihiand regional offices at such places as theBoard maydeemnecessary havingregard to publicinterestand:iiui:gnitude- of thework. Qualifications 4. (1) TheCentral Government shallappoint the Chairperson arid othermembers of the for appoint- Boardfromamongst persons ofeminence 'inthefieldsofpetrolewn: and natural 'gas industry, ment of Chair- management, finance, law, adininistration or consumer affairs:' . person and other members. ' Provided that no personshall be 8:ppointed as Member (Legal) unless be- (a) is qualified to be a Judgeofa High Court; or (b) bas. been a member of the Indian Legal Service and has held it. post in Grade I of that Servicefor at leastthreeyears. (2) The Central Government shall. for the purposesofselecting the Chairperson and after inembers of the Board and for preparing a panel of persons to be considered for appointment astheTechnical Member (Petroleum and Natural Gas)oftheAppellate Tnbuna~ constitute a Search-Committee consisting of~ (I) Member;Planning Commiss lo~. in chargeoftheenergy sector... Chairperson; (il) Secretary to the Government of India; Ministry of Petroleum and Nattiral Gas-~~~ , (iii) 'Secretarytothe Government ofIndia,.MinistrY ofFmim~, Department of EconomicAffilirs-Member; . . - .. ", (tv) Secretaryto the Government ofIndia in charge.cfCommerce, Ministry,of .- Commerce . Member; , and.IndustIy:.... '. and ' (v) Secretarytothe Government ofIndia,Department ofLegalAffilits, Ministry QfLawand Justicc:"",Me!7'ber. Term of office,. 5. (1) Beforeappointing any person as the Chairperson OJ' other member, the Central conditions of Government shall Satisfy itself that suchpersondoes-not have'anyfinancial or otherInterest semce, etc., of Chairperson whichis likelyto affect prejudicially his functions as Chairperson or suchothermember. ' lind other (2) TheChairperson and othermembers.shallholdofficefor a termoffive years from . members. the dateon which theyenter'upontheirofficesor untilthey attain the age ofaixty-five years, whichever is earlier: . ' Provided.that the Chairperson and other members shall-not be>- eligible for re- 'appointment. . . , . .:; .:.;.' . ',' ') , ' .&p~n,-For the purposes ofthis section;aPpoitihn~:ntofa member as Cl:tWtperson shall notbe deemed to bete-appclntment, .' , " . . (3) A person in the service of the Cential Gcvemmeat, a ~tate Government or an undertaking, corporationor companyownedor controlledbythe CentralGovernment or a State Government or from any other non-Governmental or corporatebody shall resign or- retire fromsuchservicebeforejoining.asthe C.h8lrperson or-other member, as the case may be; . . (4) The salaries and allowances 'payable to and the other terms and conditions of . serviceofthe Chairperson and the'othermembers ,8haII be such'SS'nlay be prescribed: '. , ' . ' ' , ' .. '" ;. ,- - ": .', ' '. :":'; ' - . Provided thatneitherthe sa1aJy and alloW8DCC!3 .northe o$ir termsand conditions of or serVi~ of the Chairperson any other membcir shall be varied to his disadvantage after appointment SEC. I] nm , GAZETTE OF INDIA ~XTRAORDINARY 7 (5) The Chairperson or othermember mayresign his office by giving notice thereofin writingto the Central Government andon suchresignation beitig accepted, the Chairperson or suchothermember shallbe, deemed to' havovacated his office. (6) TheChairperson 'Of anyothermember; uponceasing to ho~d efficeas such, shall- (a) be ineligible for further employmentUDder the Central Govermnent or any StateGovernment; and - (b) not accept any commercialemployment for a period.oftwo years from the date-he ceasesto hold such office. Explanation.-For the purposes of.this· sectioil, "commercial employment" means- employment in any capacity under; or agency. ofi,apcrsen engaged hitrrwing; commercial, . industrial or 'financial. business in any:fieldand: iri'phide~ :also' a dit~·ctGr of a company or _partneeofa firm Be settingup practiceeither inaependently or-es paitner G,f aflrm or as an advisor or,a consultant . . "- . ~ The ~e~oD'.sbaU.have,tbe:9oWers{)f.i~eral superintende,D9' and·~~tioiu .Pcwers of in the ~nd~etofthe affaiFs of~e Boardendshalt~ iIladditiG~ topresiaingover~ine;eti.ngs .. Chairperson. of the BQar4, exercise ana diseharge suCh,ot#er'jJo'~/ers and.funetiorul efthe Bpard. as may .beass~ed~hlni·~"y,the'Bo~; !. ',' ,.,..., '. .' " . ,: ~e Central Government "may' rem()~e 'from ;office. the Ch~erson :or'-any o~.er. RemoVII of me,mber;whlJ-,- . _. , C~rsonor. any: '. ether (a) has-been adjudged ~ iris~~vent; or.. mcmiicr, from OfflCC; (h) h~ been ccavlctedeof an. offeIlC&, wb1ch,:in. the opinion 'of the Central Govetntnent,involvCfi! maw ~itudc; 01" , ,"', . "(e) li~ b~m~p~ica~ 01' men.ta$y ~cap8pl~bfactin&.as aIjlember; or , , (d) liasacq,uir~ suchfinancial or.other.mte:rest ~'is-likety.':toaqfCct prejuci~cially bisfupctlons:8Saniemb~r;,or,·' " " " ."" (e) bas 'so B.b~'bis pcsltfsnas torenderhiico~tinu'and!, Ui. office prejuaiciai to the- public in~ '. ' , ' '" . , . Prov!d~ ~ ne C:~erspn Or ?thef membf'·sh!!ll-lJe.rein~~fr~.~ o~co'~er clause (d) or clitUS~ (~) ~ess, die ~~ .GQveIIJ1Dctnt: ~ ho~dlD& !lIHnquu::y by any person lWPPirltcd ~r liuthpritY:con3tftuted ~r the ptirpd:se~and in ~rdimce with' such procedure 1¥J may be p,res¢bCd'm this be1ialt is satisfied tIiat s~cti;perSori oughton such -. ground-Ot:-grounPsto~rCmoved.' .; ..1 ,8. (1) The Boardshlill meet at such'tim~ and piaCesj arid shilliot;scPie suchprocedure, Meetings of " in regard to the transaction ofbusin~s at itS· meetings (mcluclini, tHo ,quorwii at such the SOlId:. meetiiJ.gs) ~ ~ h~ provided by reguiEltlQns; " " , , , ' '. ' , ' " .' .' '" . . ,,'.". , . ' . J~>.~~~~or~ if~e;is ~le~ 'attrncl'a.1':l~off:he:·~ol1d; tbe ser,Uo~m~lJt , mein.tier. prcseitt; reekoi:led from the date ef 8-PP<?intineDt to the. Boata, shall preside at the . meeting:.. . . " . Provided tb,at in case ofcammen date of8PPointmeiJ.t of members"the member senior in agesluillbc . .' considered as senior to. the otficl!members. ',.",' --.. '" ' (3)All questienswhich come uphefiire anYnieoti1lg ofthio Boa$! shall be decided by a maj~rity of1;hc mc~ers p~nt ~d votin& ~ ~ the,:event of ari~etlYralfo/ of~~. the ChairPetson or in his~, the ~ pres~ s~iha.ve a secOni: or . castiD8:, vote; . (4)Allorllers.ll1<! decis~" of,!,_lioanl ,~ be JU1heotieated bytb,e Seci<taryorany 'other officcroftti~ Baird·duly ilUtho~ by·~e :CHaiip~~ in this be~ ,.

8 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [pAlITll- Vacancies, etc.• not to invalidate proceedings '. 9. No act or proceeding of theBeard shall be invalidmerelyby reasonof- . . in the constitution of, the Board; or (a) any vacancyin, or-anydefect of the Beard. (b) any defect in the appointment of.a person acting as ~ member of thl,l Board;or (c) any irregularity in the procedure of the Board not affecting the meritsof the case. Officers and 10. (1) TheCentral Govemmentmay, inconsultation withtheBoard,.appointa Secretary other to exerciseand performsuchpowersand duties,under thecontrolof the Chairperson as may emploYees of the·Board. be speclfled by-regulations: . . . " ' Pro~dedthat no such' c~nsultation shall be necessary for appointment of the first Secretaryofthe Board. (2)TheBoardmay, withtheapprovaloftheCentralGovernment.determine thenumber, nature and categories of other officers and employees required to assist the Board-in the efficientdischarge of its functions. (3rne sidarieS: and allowances payable to lind the other terms and conditions of serviceof the Secretary, the other officersand employees ofthe Beard shallbe such as may .be prescribed. (4) The Board may appoint consultants required to' assist in the discharge of'its functions on such terms and conditions as may be determined by regulations. .CIlAP'I:ERill FuNc'nONS ANn.POWERS OF nni BOARD Functions of , 11. TheBoard shell-e- the Board. (a) protect the interest of consumers by fostering fair trade'and competition amongst the .c::ntities;. (b) registerentities to- '(I) marketnotified petroleumand petroleum productsand,subject to the contractual obligationsofthe ~ntra1 Government, natural g~ .: .:,OJ) 'establish ~d op·e!B~·liqu·efied'natural gas te!ffi~at~; (iii) establish storage filcilitiei; for petroleum, petroleum productsor natural gas .,' exceedingsuch . ," capacity as may be specified-by regulations; . " . . .. . . , '(c) authorise entities to-- WIay, build,operate orexpand a common carrier orcontract carrier; , (~J) lay, build, operate or exPa:n~ City or localuannal Ps·distributioiuletWork; (d)d~larepipelincsascommonc~ierorcon~~er; - ; '. . ~ ,i ...... (e) regulate, byregulatioDS.-' , (r),access to common carrier' or contract ea::trie"r so as to· ensure fair trade 'and competition amongst qttitieS and for that purpose specify pipeline access code; " ;.,'-: ,(iI) transportation raiest'oi':Ci:lmmon carrfer.or contractcarrier; (iii) accesstccityor 10~.nlitUralgas distribution networkso asto ensure . fair tradeand competition-amongst entities as per pipeline access code~ SEC. l] THE GAZETTE OF INDIAE)ITRAORDINA]<.Y 9 (f) inrespectofnotified petroleum, petroleumproducts and naturalgas- (I) ensure adequate availabilitY; (il) ensuredisplay ofinfonnation about-the maximum retail.prices fixed by the entityfor consumers at retail outlets; (iii) monitor prices and-take corrective measures to preventrestrictive trade practiceby the entities; (iv) secureequitable distribution for petroleum and petroleum products; , (v)provide, by regulations. ~d:enforc~, retailserviceeblfgerlons forretail - outletsand marketingservice. cbligetions fot entities; (\II) monitoHranspl'rtatlonrates and-take corrective. action to prevent . restrictive trade practice .~.the.~tities; (g) Ievy fees and othercharges as determined by regulations] (h)maintaiii a :data bank of infermatioa on activities- "relating to petroleum, petroleumproducts ard natural g!s; (I) i&y down, by regulations, the technical sbmdatdiand speciflcattone includmg I. safety stanaards in activities relating. to' petrolewrl, peti'bl~wD products an~ nap,rral gas, includJrla the construction and- dperation of pipellneand infrastructure proje<:;ts related to downstream petr~leum and!nattiraLgas sector;_ .(j} ~trtorm such .cther fun'ctilitns' as may be entrusted to it by the C~[itral Government to carry out.the previsions of,this Act.' . i2•.(l)"Th~, B"Qirq shail-have jurisdicilo~ t~ Powe~ , rcgardin!. , (a) adjudlca::te upon'and d&:il,teany dj~p~te or ~~r arising amongst,entitles 'br' comphiiDls . between .an entit};'and anyether- pe;sobon issue~ r.elating to refining, precessing, am' tc501ittiDD of disputes by storage; transpoItaticin distribiJt~Ii;l'miU:k:eting apd sale of-petroleum, petioleum the j Board. products and'natu:ral gas accord.in~ ~ the pro.yisio,ns of€hapter V,unless ~'e plllties· have agreed'for ~.bitration; . . . . . .. ".' ./ (b) rec~ive': any. ccmplains'frcm 'anyperson and conduct any in~.iry .end . investigation connected with the ~tiv'iti~s relating-to petroleumpetroleum pro3~c.ts and natural &itS on contra~ention-of- . (i) retailservice obUg~ons;' (Ii) marketing service ~~li¢terui; (iiI) displayof retailprice at retail outlets;, (ill) termsandconditienssubjectto which a pipeline bas been declaredas' common carrieror contraCt carrier.or access for otherentities was aIltiwedte a or city loCal natural gas: distribirt;ion network, or'authorisation has been grBQtCd to an-entity for laying, bu~tditl~ expanding or apef.ating a pifteline as co"mm.6n carrier .or. contract, C8lTier' Of authcrisarien.has beea granted to. an e;ntity: for. laying, building, expending or operating a cItyor local hatui8.Igas.diStrlbution network; , " .. . (v) anyother provisionofthis Actor therules l8' the regulations-or orders . . ~de thereunder, (2) We deciding a complaint under su~section(JX:the Board-may pass such orders and issue Such directions as it deems fit or refCI: ~e maner for investigation according to the, '.'provisionsof'Chapter v. ' .

10 THE GAZETTE OF INDI,'; EXTRAORDINARY [PARTlI- Procedure of 13. (1) TheBoard shall have, for the purposes ofdlscharglhg its functions under this the Board. Act, the same powersas are vested in a civil court under the Code of'Civil Procedure, 1908,_ 5 of 1908. while trying a suit, in respectofthe followingmatters, namely:- -(a) summoning and enforcingthe attendanceof any person and examining him on oath; (b) s~bjectto theprovisions ofse~tions 123, and 124 ~fthe IndianBvldenceAct, 1872, requisitioning anypublic record or docwnent ora copy ofsuch record ordocument, I of 1872. from any office and productionof such documents; (e) receiving evidenceon affidavits; (d) issuing commissions for the examinetlonofwitnesses or documents; (e) dismissing an applicationfor default or deciding-it, exparte: - (f) settingasideanyorder ofdismissal ofanyapplication for defaultor anyorder passed by it, exparte; - (g) gtanting interim relief; '(h) reviewing its decision; and (i) my other matterwhich may be prescribed. '(2) EVery proceeding befo~e the Board shall be' deemedto be a judi"ciai proceeding within'the meaning of sections'193 lind 228, and for tile purposes of section 196, of the 45 of 1860, Indian PenalCede and the Board shall be deemed to be a civil court for the purposes of seCtion 195and'ChapterXXVr'ofthe COde of Criminal Procedure, 1973., . 2 of 1974. ,0) The Board shallbe guided by the principles ofnaturaljustlce and'subjectto'other .. : . , provisions ofthis Act and of any rules made iliereliIider,shall have powersto regulate its '" .' own procedure.including the places at which, It-shallconduct its business. , '" CllAPTERIV REoIS~TION ANi> AUTHORISATION , .... Regisfer, , 14. (1) For, the purposes pfthisA~t, a register to be calledthe Petroleumand Natural . 'G1ts'~gister '. shallbekept .' at the head .• -- ,'," office o.f~ Boardcontaining •• • such.detalls t' , ' . ' , ofentities-e- ' (a) registered for- ",' ,'. (I) marketingnotifiedpetroleum,pqtwleUI);l products.or naturalgas, or , , . , ,(ii).estab1is~g and operating ~i9.u~~ed ~ gas tenninals, or (iii) l:Stablis.hina:, ~~~.'~i1~~ for pe:trCi1eum,petroleum 'products" or natural gas exceedingsuch'capacitY'as niay be specified by regulations, or '(bj~thoiisedfg~---: ' . ,.(~) layfug.,buU~ operating orexPilncfutg·~common.Canier, or ,'; (i~ iaymg, b~dil)g, operating-or explllidlng a city or l~cal natural gas distribution netWortc, as may 'be provided by the Board by regulations, '(2) A'~py'~f~ye~try in tile ~~r ~urp~~"~ be rilaintained the Board and' by certified as such byan officerauthorised by the Board, shall be admitted in evidence in aU ' couns arid'inall ptoeeediDgs wlthcut furtlie.r proofor production ofth~ original. ',(3). Th~,~gi_ster .shallbeopen to publicinspection at the head office ofthe Board. ,' ',(4i~~:;~~~Yr',Q~'~ppii~fiCin cd tii~Boar~ 'ilridOh payment ofsuch 'tee as ma~' be det"ecmiiied'by th~'Boa;.a. bY- ~e'gula.tions: obtaffi'il eertified copy 'ofany entiY in the register. ' . .. , SEC.l] THE GAZETTE OF INDIAEXTRAORDINARY. , 11 15. (1) Everyen,tity deslreus of- Registration of entities.. . (a) marketing any-notified petroleum or petroleum ,.' products or natural gas; or (b) establishing or operating a liquefiednatural W;lS , terminal; . . or (c) establishing storage facilities tor petroleum, petroleum products or natural gas j exceeding such capac~ty: as.may bespecified. .by '.•., :. , regulations, ' ' . andfulfilling.the eligibility conditions as-may be prescribed sliall make anapplication to the Boardfo'r itsregistration underthis Act: - Provided that no registra#o~ under,tJi1s'Aetslialr~o required forany entity cariymg o~· anyactivity referred to in clause' (0) or cl~.(b) or ciawe(c)irnri1ediately befaretbeappcinted daybutshall inform theBoardaboutsuchactivityWitiilitsiXmonths " . . . tli'e appointed day. from .;. '. . (2) Every application for,'rcgistration under'sub~secti~n (1) shall be miuie msucli fonn. and in'such manner and shall be accompanied by such fee as may be de'tennined by the Boardby regulations; . " . " . ' . . (3) TheBo~ may, aftcrmaJPng s~ch'enfltriIy an4 s~jeCttQ suchterms and COiJ,d#i~ns­ as it may specify; grant a certificate ofr.egistration'to the~~. a1lOwing·t6 commenc;.and" carryon ~e activityrefl;rred te'in clliusc.(a) or c~e (b)' orcl~~ (c); as the case mayb~ ofl sub-section (1). ..' . " - . . ' . '. ,/ , ' (4) The Board·may. by order, suspe*d·.~r cap~l &~fiqate ofreglstration granted; under sub-section (3) in sucnmanner-ae-meybe , -- deterrRiried pY , reguhi.tiol1B:: ' '.', " Provided that no orderunder~this sllb~seQtlOD.~1 be 'maae unless the' ~titY. concerned ~ . 'has been given a ccasanableopportwlltY efbieing;heat<l·' , ' . . .' '~, . . - 16.No "ei1~1,ty s~l- ,. . AutaorislI.tiolt., . (0) lay; bWid, operate or :exp~~~ypj~:line as-acommon ca:m~r or contract: carrier, ' (b) Iay.:bltild, operate or eXpand'~y citY of·loc8:l rnltur:at gas' distribiltionnetWork;, , , - , , . ; '. without-obtaining authorisation undet -qais Act: Provided that an entity.- (I) layin~ buildmg, opere;tmg or expand~g ~y ~ip~I~'as eoinnl,ori carrl¢fol' contract carricr.~ o r , ,. " .. . . ". (II) laying, building, operajing·op expMdmg ahY city.~odocal·naturafg~ distribution n~r~ ,'. ' ., ... '.' Immediatelybeforethc appointed day shall b~ deemedtc have' suchautherisation subjectto the provisions ofth,is Chapter;butanychange.iIithe purpOsC.o·r u,sage'shallrectuire separate- authorisation .granted by the Board. '. 17. (l)An entitywhich is Iaying,ll~i1ding, operatina:-;or exp~d4tg, orwlii~hpr~P9s~ ~pJiCidon for .to lay, build, operate.tlr cxpand, apipclino.8S a:comtn~:~~OF Conti'actCarri~r ¥'aPPly iluthoriqtion,' .in writing to the Board fur obtaining: an autho)'isa9.o0 ~d.;,r thisA.et:· . . ProVided thatan.!ayfug,buildUig, o~.orexpapciipeanypipe~~.C:9m.mon carrier or contract, carrier authorised bY .the. Central~~~e.nt at any', ~:befute the til appointed.day sh8.ll furnish the particulars of such .acti~ the'Board W;ith!n slxmonths from the appointed ~ay. " . . "'. (2) An entity ~ch is laying, building, operating; Q(exP,~iM.: or ~c~ p:rop.os~ to lay, build, operate OIl exp~d, a city or J~~ natural gas diStRDution network Shall apply in' writingfor obtaining: ail'-Iluthorisation under this Act: . . .

12 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PARTII- Publicity of applications. Grout of authorisation. Declaring, laying. building, ctc.o'of _common carrier or contiact carrier- and city or local natUral .- gas distribution network. SEC, 1] THE GAZETTE OF INDiA EXTRAORDINARY 13 ,;'

14 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PART II- Suspension or 23.If theBoard,on an application ofan affected partyor on its ownmotion, is.satisfied cancellation of that the entity in favourofwhich authorisation has been granted undersection 19 has failed autbcrisatien. to comply with any conditions of authorisation, it may, after givingan opportunity to such entity of being heard, either suspendthe authorisation for such period as the Board may "think fit or cancel the authorisation: Provided that where the Board is of the opinion that an authorised entity persistently acts in amannerprejudicial to the interests ofconsumer's, it maytakeaction forthesuspension of the authorisation immediately subject to the opportunity of hearing being given subsequently, after which action so taken may be confirmedor revoked. CHAPTERV SEi1LEMENT OF DISPUTES Board to settle 24. (1) Saveas otherwise providedfor arbitration in the relevantagreements between disputes. entitiesor-between an entity or any other person, as the case may be, if any dispute arises, in respectofmatters referred to in sub-section (2) among entitiesor between an entity and any other person, such dispute shim be decided by a Bench consisting of the Member '(Legal)andoneor moremembers nominatedby the Chairperson: Provided thatifthemembers ofthe Bench differ q'n imypointor points,theyshallstate the point or pointson whichthey differ-and refer the same to a member otherthan a member of theBench for hearing on such point or points and such point or pointsshall be decided accordingto the'opinion ofthat,me~.ber... ' (2) The Bench constituted under sub-section (1) shall exercise; on and from the appointed day, all suchjurisdiction, powersandauthority aswereexercisable by aciyil court !=In any metterrelatlngto-c- ' '. , (a) refining, processing, storage, transportation and distribution ofpetroleimI, petroleum products and natural gas' by the entities; (b) marketingandsaleofpetroleum, petroleum products and natural gas including the quality of service and security of supply to the consumersby the.entitles; and , , (c) registration o'r' authorisation issued by tl)o-'Board under section IS, or section19. ' (3) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, the 5 of 1908. Board shall have. the powerto decide matters'referred to in sub-section (2) 00 or after the . appointed day. ' . Filing of 25. (1) A complaintmaybe filedbefore the Board by any personinrespecrofmartera complaints. relatingto entitiesor betweenentitieson anymatter arisingout of the previsionsofthisAet Providedthatthe complaints ofindividualconsumersm~tainabie beforeaconsumer , disputes redressal forumti:nder the-Consumer Protectlon.Act, 1986shall not be takenup by 68 of 1986. the Board but" shall be heard and disposed of'by such forum. . " " ' Exp'la~tion.-For the purposes oftbis ~ub:-s~on, the'expression ;'oooswrier d'isputes . i:edressal foiurii~ Shall meanthediStrf;t forum.State Commission or,theNtitional Commission, as the casemaybe, constituted under the provisions of the Consumer' ProtectionAct, 1986. 68 of 1986. (2) Everycomplaintmade imdersub-section(/) sliall be filed within sixty daYs from the date, on whichany act or conduct constitutingit contmvention took place and shall be in , such fonn and shall be.accampliIjied by such.reoas'may be'provided by regulations: . , ,P.rovided,ihattheBoar~.rnayentertaina co~plaintafter·~e explrycfthe 'saidperiod if " . .... . was it is satisfiedthlitthere sufficientcause . "." ' . for not filing the complaint-within ' . ' that period. (3) on receiptofa complaintundersub-section(J), the Board shalldecideWithin thirty, days whether there is aprimajade'csse, against the entityor entities.concerned and may eitherconductenquiryon its ownor-refer the matter for lnvestigatlon under tiijs Chapter, to SF<:.IJ THE GAZEITE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 15 an Investigating Officer having jurisdiction; and. where the matter is referred to: such Investigating Officer, on receiptof a report fromsuch Investigating Officer, the Board may, hearand disposeof the complaint as a dispute if it falls- under sub-section (2) ofsection27 and -in any othe~ case, it ms.ypass such orders and issuesuch" dir-ections as it deems fit. (4) WheretheCentralGovernment considers tharamatter arising-out ofthe pro~sions of-this Act is required to be investigated; it shall make-a reference to the Board end.the provisions ofthis Act shall apply as jf such reference were a complafnt madeto the Board. 26. (1) FO,r the purposes of provisions of section 25, the Board shall,' subject to the Power to provisions ofsub-section (3), appointby generalor specialorder-an officer-of the Board as. investigate, an InvestigatingOfficer for holdingan investigation in the manner providedbyregulations: "Provldedthat where the Board considers it necessary that the matter should be investigated by any investigating agency of the State or Central.Govemmerit includiilg the specIal' police ~6r~ constituted under ~ectiOIl2 of the Delhi Sp~ial Poli~ Esta6lislunen~ 2S of 1946. Act, 19,46, the Board may-request the concerned Government ror direc,tint,or authorising suchagencyto uivestiga'te am' theagencyso directed or authcrlsed.shell, then, be ~rnpetent, . to.exerclse the powers~d. to dlseharge the: dutiesofan Investigating '. Officerunder·thisAci ' , " " (2)No'peraen shall be: apP.9inted 8$ an Investigaring-Offlcer unlesshe possesses su~h· quallfi~tion~ end-experience as" maybe dete~ed by the Bcerd.byregulations. (3) Wliere-mo~ thartolje Investigatrng·Officcr is appointed, tbeBoard shall sp,e,cify,- , "by ord~r, the m~rs ~d' ~e, lccalllmits-of jurisdictionwith respect to which each such. , oflicedih~U~x~~ise;hi$jurisdiction. 27. The,Board'.sb.al~'while,decidirig·$ d.ispirte under this: Ch~pter~ have dUf!' reg~ tc Factors to be: takCD~into the 'provisions ofthis'Ad: ari<ito' the fallowing.facters, nlUIle!y:- accouilt by (a) the: atncunt of dJsproporti9mitc ,gam ritade or wlfair ad..:.mtage derived, the. Board; wherever guan~le,as a.result ofihe default; , ' (b) the.am.oQnf'()flo~s caused.to an entity as a result~fthe defa:ult;, nattire of tho default: (c) the repetjtiv.e . . , : any . 28. In case complaint is filed be:ro~ theBeard by any 'person or- if the -Bo~dis CiYil ~a1ty for. satisfie~ that,~;' person 'lula c~nn:avone4:~'diJ;~tion isl!uCd by theaoatcf wider this:'~ctio' eontra.vcn~ion ~f, ~irec!io'(ls , provideaccessto, o.rtO ~h<rreto!he trans~~on rate ~ respectofa common ta:n:-ie.r!orto givcli~by die' displaymeximum retailpriee at retail cutlets, orviQla~the temis andoonditions subj~etto Boaro;' . which registration or autho}isation hasbeen granted, under section IS: or sectiBn'i9 or the retailserviceobligatiol1J!l or marketing serviceobllgatlone, or does not furnish information, document, return of report required b)'the BOB.!'d; it-may,- after givrng,c sucli p~~n' an op~rtunity of beingbeardin thematter; byorder.in.writing, directthat,withoutprejudice to any other Penalti to'whIch:.tic'maybe Iiableunder thisAct; suchpersonshell paY, by 'Way of civilpenaltyan amountwhich sh#l not exceed'one crorerupeesfoteaCh' co·ntnw~tioiJ.and:· in caseof a contilipjngfailure witil additional penaltywhlca Jlijly extend to ten lakh rupees fur, every day duriIlg whichthe. ~~-e continues It~r co~travention: of¢.e first suchd'ireCtiqn:, ' . ..' Provided thatin theC8SCI ofa CQinplaint on restrictive trade practice, the amount of civil penalty may extendto five times the'unfair gains made by the entity er ten ctore rupees, whichoverishigber. '., "., , ," " ".'.'. " by 29. Bvery orderm'ade by the Board under ibis Act shell, on a c~rtifi~ issued an Order! passed officerof the Board, shall be executable in the same manner as if itwere a decr~ ~fa civil by ,Board' court:" I"~ '." deemed'to be, dccrccs.: Provided that where ~ ~Peallfes agiinst an orde~ fue 'B~arci and no appeal is, of , preferred then the order ofthe Beardshallbe de.ein~ to be a final decreeunder tills sCctio~f: . on the expiry of the period'allowed for preferring an appeal agaIDst,suCb: order b!3t'Qie the Appellate Tribunal. '" , •

16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA-EXTRAORDINARY. [pARtIl- CHAP1ERVI APPEALS TO APPFLLATB TRIBUNAL Appellate 30. (1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Appellate Tribunal established Tribunal. under section 110 of the Electricity Act, 2003 shall be the Appellate Tribunal for the 36 of 2003. purposesof this Act and the saidAppellate Tribunalshall exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on it by or under thisAct: . Providedthat the Technical Member of the Appellate Tribunalfor the purposes of thisAet·shall he called the Technical Member'(petroleum and Natural Gas) and shall have the qua1ifi~ti~ms specified in sUb,-section (2) of section 31. - (2) Notwithstanding anything contained in the Electricity Acto.Z003, the Central 36 of 2003. Government may,' for the purposes of this Act, appoint one or more Technical Members -(petroleum and Natural Gas) on theAppellate Tribunal forElectricity or designate aTechnical Member of-the said Tribunal having the qualifications specified in sub-section (2) of.' section 31 and when a Technical Member (Petroleum and Naturai Gas) is appointed, he shall be ln eddition to thetbree other members appointed under the said Act Technical 31. (1) The Technical Member (petroleum and Natural Gas) shall be appointed Member from: the panel prepared by the Search Committee constituted under sub-Section (2) of (pCtrolctlm and section 4. . NatuTRI Gas). (2) A personsballnotbe qualifi~ ~r appointment as'aTechnical Member (petroleum and Natural Gas} of the Appellate Tribunal unlessbe-e- (/) is, or has been;a Secretary for at least one year in the Miilistry or Department of 'the Central Government having adequate experience in energy sector, especially in matters relating to Petroleum and Natural Gas sector; or (if) is, or has been, a person ohbility and standing, having adequate knowledge or experience in dealing with matters reiating to explorenon, production, tnlnsmission pipelines, marketing or regulation of petroleum, petroleum productS or natural gas, economics, 'commerce, law. or manage:menl . Terms uid '32. The term of office, the salaries and allowances payableto and the other terms c·onditioll5 of '. and conditiorisofservice oftbe.TechnicalMember(petroleum and Natural Gas) shall-be ,of serVice, of.. the same as appllcablejo the other members of the App' ell~te Tribunal:' . Technical' Member (petroleum and Natwal Gas). ApPeals to ,33. (i) ~ person aggrieved by ~ order or decision ~e by the Board under tP~ Appellate ·4ct may prefer an appeal to the Appellate Tribunal: Tribunal Provided that any person preferring an appear against an order-or decision 'of the', Board levying any penalty shall, while filing the appeal, deposit ilie- amount-of such · penalty: : . " Provi~ed further that where in any' particular case, the Appel~'Tn'btinal is of the opinion that deposit of such penaltywould cause undue hardship jo such person, it may dispense with such depositsubject to such conditions as it may: deem fit to impose so as to safeguard the realisation of penalty." " . (2) Every appeal. under sub-section (1J shall be filed wiibin a Period of thirty .da~ · fromthe date on which a.copy ofttle direction or order of decision made by the Board is . "'., ~, received by the aggrieved person-and it shall-be in such fbrm, verified in suCh manner and ~. accompanied by such fee as may beprescrlbed: " SEC. I] THE GAZETTE OF INDlA E;CIRAO)U)INARY 17 t'.1; ,.j ;• Provided that the Appellate Tribunal may entertain an appeal afterthe expiry of the said period of thirty days if it is satisfied that there was sufficient cause for not filing it within that period. . (3) On receipt of an. appeal under.sub-sectien (1)1 tlie Appellate Tribunal may, after giving the parties an opporturtity of bems- heard; pass such erders thereon as it thinks ~ . (4) TheAppellate Tribunal shallsend a copy of every order made by it to the parties to the, .appeal and_to the Board. ' (5) The appeal filed under: sub-seo:tion 0); ~hall be- dealt 'with by the A'ppellate Tribunal as expeditiously, as poS;Sihl~ end-endeavourshall be: made by it tt} dispose of the appeal finally within', ninety' days: from the. date of receipt-of app~l: Provided tIiar where any such\ apJ!~al· ciJuid not he disposed of within the- said -period of ninety days; the Appellate- 'Irihunal shall record .its reasons in-writing: for not disposing. of- tho appeelwithln the seld period, ',' ' ' , ." " (6) TheAppellate Tt$:bwuit 'may,.for the p~ ore~g,the 1~&alitY er proprietY 'or cerrectnese of ariy ord~r or aCC,lsioQ o(the Bo¥~ r~feired to iii tt;ie, appeal fil~ under sub-section (1), either on. its (iwn' meticiuor o.thetwise, call' fur the records ~I~ant to , " disposing.of such apt*8t and·;.m*e·sucli~ordej:s-- a, it/t:binlal fit ' , 34. 'Ihe.psovislene ,of S~bJL!l' 120~:te 124', (both mcllisive). of #l~EI~~ityAct, Proudurc and 36 or 2003. 2003, shall mutatis muta~dis, 'app'ly 'to tf& AppeUate:.-Tribuiw: 'in the ~dis,cliarg~ of its powers of-the App~i1atc 'functions' under this Act as they apply te~it in. thb' dis,hBrge of its'functicns under. tho TribliilaI. , Electricity.Aet, 2003~ , ;.' ~' , '. ' , ' , " ' , ". , " ' ' ,','. 35. The AppelJ~, '.frlb~ ~Y. by notjfi~tiaD, make.'rules;'·C0IlSis.tent with.the - PoweJ: of previsions' of. this Act..~, .tq. $c'conl:luet:.'and<proeed-ure inr~sp'e~ at all' proceedings AppeUatt before it under this ·Aert:. ' , "Tribuilat-.ito Inako.lu~ , " , " ., j. , 36.' (J)Every or4er fli!id~, hy th~, ApRellate Tritiunal-'wtder this Act s~a)l;' 'bo OrderS pallSeG . 'executable by t:lj~' Appelliltc:tribuilaI' as a\'dec~: of a·'clw' coUrt, 2m' ~or~,this purpase; byAPpeUi1e, Triblllial 10 be : the Appellate Tribunal shallhave all-the Powers of a civil COtllt' " cXccujablc u a decree. '.' (2) Notwiths,tanding: anything ;con~ed lit sub-section {l}. ,tho:A:P,poUafe Tribunal .maytransmit any order made by it ta it civil'court ~~j~¥ion and spcti;'civil court shall execute the ot:der as if it 'were a decree'made by' that coart, , . ' ' . " , S of 1908. 37. (l) N.~ding~g corttamed in the Code of CiVil Procedure, 1908 AppCll to or in any other' la~ an appeal shall'He agaifist any oroer, not being ~,intcrIQC~ry eooer. Supremll . Court. of the Appellate Tribunal to the Supreme Court on-one or morcH~f,tIi:e gfoun~ s'pecifled in section 100 of that'COde, ' .. . (2) No aP~·Shalllie a~ any decisien'et allier m~o !:>ythe APpellate Triblinal w.ith the consent of thlf P./lltie!i. . " , . ' ' ,. ';' . .. ) (3) Bvery Iippw,under thissection shallhe, preferred withina 'period efninetydays , from the date of the decision OF order- app~ea .igainst . . . Prri~ide4. that tho ~re~ e~urt may ente~.1heappea1 ~ 'the'~iry ~~;tbe said period of ninety dfiySl if it is sa!isficdthat the appellant, was pt;evenred 'by sufficient , cause from preferring the appeal ln tlnie. ".'. ." .'. , .. ','"

18 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [pARIII- CHAPlERVIJ FINANCE, AccOUNTS AND AUDIT Grants by 38. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Parliament by law Central in this behalf, make to the Board grants of such sums Of money as are.required to pay Government. salaries andaUowances payable to the Chairperson and the other members and the administrative expenses including the salaries, allowances and pensions payable to the officers and employees of the Board. Fund. 39. (1) Thereshall be constituted a Fund to be called the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board Fund and tJ:tere. shal~ b~ credited theretO- .. (I) all grants, fees, penalties and charges received by the Board'under this Act; and • (il) all sums received by the Board from suchothersources. as may be approved by' the Central Government. (2) The Fun4 shall be applied 'for making payiiients towards-c- , (I) the salaries and allowances payable.to the Chairperson and other members .and the administrative. expenses including the salaries, allowances and pensions ,payable to the officers and employees of the Board;· , . (iI) the expenses incurred or to beincurred in carrying out -the provisions of , this Act . (3) The Central Government shall- (I) co~st~tute· a' co~iitee 'consisting of s~ch' persona as it thinks fit to , recommend to that Government the budgetary requirements of theBoardfor salaries, allowances and all other expenses; a n d . ' . (ilj'fix thebudgetary ceiling ~fthe Board on the basis of the reconunendatioris .,. of the committee.' . . ' . Asccunts and 4'0. (1) The Board shall mainWn proper accounts and other·relevant reCords and audit ' prepare an annualstatement of accounts in such form as maybe prescribed by the Central Government iIi. consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India: . /i (2) The accounts .of;the Board shall be audited by, the Comptroller and AUditor- . General. of India at sucbintervals as maybe specified by himand anyexpenditure incurred . . in connection with- such.audit shall be payable by, the Board to the Comptroller and .Auditor-General of India. ,.'. -. ,Exp!tination.-Eor the removal of doubts, it is hereby declared that the- decisions of the Board-taken in the dis~barge of its funeti0!'S under this Act, beingmatters appealable' ,.to the·Appellaie Tribunal, shall'not be sU~ject to audit under this section. , ;, (3) The Comptroller andAUdltor-Generai of Indiaor anyother personappolnted by' him in connection with the audit of the accounts -ef the Board shall h8.ve· the same rights lind privileges and authority in connection with -the audit of the Government accounts and, in particular, shall have, the ri8ht to demand the production of books, accounts, corinected vouchers and ether documents' and papers and inspection of-offices of the . Board. .. , . (4).Tbe accounts of the Boardas certified by the Comptroller andAUditor-General of . India or any other person appointed by him in thisbehalf together with the audit report thereonshall be forwarded annually to:the Central Government and that Government shall cause the same to be laid before eachHouse of Parliament . . SEC. 1] THE G~TI'E OF INDIA EX'!EA0l\DINARY 19 41. (1) The Board shall prepare once every year in such fonn and at such time as Annual report may be prescribed; an annual reportgiving:;a summary-of its, activities including i~ormation and its laying before relating to the proceedings-and policies duriQ8 the previous years and such report shall Parliament: also contain statements of-annual accounts ef'the Board. ' A (2) copy of the report -shall be-forwarded to the Central Oove~enf and the , Central Government shallcause such report:to be, laid, as aeon as may b~~ after it-Is received; before each House ofParliament. -, P~WER OF cBNnw. GPYERNMENT 42. (1) The Central Government may, from time.to tiry~; by'wri~ issue to the:Board Power of such directions as it may think-necessary.In 'the interest of th~~sov~reignty and integrity Central of India, • the{securitY-ofth~ , . St8te, frien41y ':, relations with foreig!t ",,' , states or pubiic order.' Government tojssue: , '" ' 'directions. · (2)M'ithout prejudice to.the'foreg~ingil:ro,Yisibn,- tire Central Gcvemment ~,if'it' finds necessary or ex~di~ntsotO do m,'puo'lic interest C:II<f0r.mainlaining odhcr-easing,' su~p~ 'of'petro1eum.\Pejiolo1im; prod~~ts o~ ~tUraI p,-;o~~ail m?any ef them or '~o'r , secW'ingth~ii' equitable distribution arf~ en.surin8:'ideq~at~~aY8i~i)ity,' is~u,e::poliby dir~ves to,~thc :Soard in';,writinj and such pOlifY directiy~,;~h~U",be binding upon the BOOrd: Provided that no 'such ,directive sb~lI ~latc to any d8y--fo:.d,ay~Mrairs'offue Boar:d: " ' . , ' " . Provided further tb.at:t1'ic'Board snal~, &star Ill(pr~icaijj¢. be:gIven' an 'opportunIty of ~ressing: " ,. its views . before any dlrectlve ' .. is issued under ,. this sub-sectien..' ..' ' , ' , '. (3fTh~ dec~iorr~oftheGentra1 Go\r:e~~ wheili~'a q~~tian is one ef pelicy.or. , " '..' ' ( " I', ' not-shalfbe-flnal. , ,'" . . " " .. , -' 43;:' (l) In tOo eyent'ofwat· or nataral Caliimiiy, -or ~ch other. ~iriulll1' cireWn.stances· ~akinB:' oVcf ' le94inS ~ ~<k. OiSijP'~lYi_ofpetrol.~ ~tr?l~~ pmdu~~~Or ru#UraJ,-8asiith~"'~e~a1~ ,centrOJ'aml' . Gov~-P11t:':,may. ~r ~~~~1D~:-,.thc, COntih~,O~1SUp'ply;', of ~~1:'~ ~,lcUm' pred~~~:or, ',:~~~~:I natural gas, :!by 'not1jicatioli~ ettb~ take ,oYer thc~co~trol and':~,ana~f.Bent o~' ~y'sto.r:a8C:'~ and 'buaiileai 'si~c. faciHti,~~ and· business premlses :of '-D-y ~nti~ .and retail 'outlets er, ~spCnd Its- :prcritiscs of .j , opc;atiOnS of eIitrust, to any ag~QY of ~ Con~ 0t: St8~.GD~~mit'for, suCh time an~" any 'ClllUt» ,and ~ manage it in sueh manner.:ils may' tie s~ified iit tllat n'Gtificatiolt: ; , , . retillhutlets , .:", "" " ~," " , ill public-, . ' ", Pi'ovided.:that the affec~ entities\sh3J1 be given .~ ORpG~ty ef~:ein8':he:ard intercs'i. bef9re isSuim ordersto take over, the conteel-and management.of retail outletS-ana. otl,ler · . ',.. bualness premises: ~ ' \ . " , . ~ Provided further that in case of any urgency or in cases ~ere ,circfufisuln~ 'do ''ihe , net,pcrnlit serving- of -nottce. for want' of '$lffigient' time-on.otherwise '!pGo: ~~,.cn.jity ~ Wb~ tJ;\c order urdirec~ the QpponunJty ofhearirig'.may,be: i1ijpelised Within .. "pub)iQ mterest-1in order ,to ~iain thd.uqlOterropted sUPPlY of Ptm'ol~um; p*ole1Uii: products. or· ~ral' gaS; for a specified periok ' ' , (2)'The co~ector of'~&-revenue, d;i$trlct in which the prop¢y r~ferr~~:;in'the' .notification .issued under sub-section (fJ');is situated shall deteni'line 'tbe',.anfOuntof '" Comp,ematio~ pa~te~fer ~g over o,ffthe;pr.(fpe~. " " ' , ' (3). ,11te,' .io~an~ • . , -' mann~,r ".' in which'an ' ,; appii~pn .", •• for '. ciau$g~~mp_enSatio.n ' ...1 . ,'.... ~" • un~~" •• '" ~ section Shalt ,&eo nfad,e, the'proccciUlO: for;(dct;mlJnlI1g~;the,compe!lSation and the tiD1e,: within.~ 'sucb GOmpeDsati~n " - , shall b~ payable, shan5e suches may he Pr~ibCd, ' , " '.. " ,

20 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY Ii· .,If:'' CIlAPTERIX OFFENCES AND PuNISHMENT Punishment for, 44. If a person contravenes the directions of the Board, such person shall be contravention punishable with fine which mayextendto twenty-five crore rupeesand in case of continuing ofdirections of contravention with additional fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees for every day the Beard. during which the contravention continues. Penalty for 45. Ifany person wilfully mils to comply with the order of the AppellateTribunal, be wilful failure shall be punishable with fine whlch may extend to tine crore rupees and in case of a 10 eerepty- with orders - second or subsequent offence with fine which mayextend to two crore rupees and in the of Appellate case of continuing contravention with additional 'fine w1l.icb may extend to twenty lakh Tribun~. rupees for every day dwing which ' - ' such- default continues. Punishment for 46.lfany person•. beingan entity, markets any notifiedpetroleum; petroleum products . uuauthcnsed or naturalgas withouta validregistration, or authorisationsuch person shall be punishable activities. With imprisonment which may extend to three years or with fine 'which may.extend to ., ~~i:y-five crorerupees or withbeth, .~d in case of continuing contravention with additional fine which may extend to ten lakh rupees for every daydurlng which the , 'contravention continues." ' - . . Punishment for" 47~ Ira person establishes or operates a liquefied natural' gas terminal without cstabl~bing or registration as required under section 15, such person shall be liable for punishment with ~p~r:g liunl ,an imprisonment for a: term ~i~h may ~nd, to three: years or penaltyoftw.e[UY-~ve crore -. g~ tcrmi~al rupees or with both, and in case of continuing conttaventlon with addition:aJ. fine-which witbout may extend to ten lakh rupees for every day during which the contravention continues. registration. . . . Punishment for 48. If ~ person lays, builds,operates or expands a commoncarrier or contractcarrier laying. building. or a city Opcrating or . or local nemralgas distribution networkwithout obtainingauthorisation . required expanding I . 'under section 19; such person shall be liable for punishment wlth an iniptfSonment for a common' ' term which may extend to three years or penalty of twenty-five crcre rupees or with both; Camer or and in' case ofcontinuing 'ccntraventionwfthadditional fine which. may extend to ten lakb contreet rupees'for every day dwing which the contravention connnues.. . eerrler withoilt Buthonsation, , " "'.'.., . ,J'u~ishm~lIt for 4.9. Every personwho wilfully removes, destroys or damages any pipeline or cityor ,·wii~l 'dainages "local natural gas distribution network or other work,of the common carrier or contract to commOll carrier for supplying petJ:bleum, petroleum products or natural gaS. shall for eachsuch 'carrier or. J""tJ COlltract carrier. offence be punishable with'Imprisonmentwhich may extend to three years or with fine which may extend to twenty-five crore.rupees or witli both, and, in case of..continl,ling' contravention with additional fine which may extend to ten'Iakh rupees fur every day' . during which -sucb coatravention continues.. . . Offences 'br , 50. <!) Where anoffence under this Act l¥ts been committ¢ by a cO~pan:r, every companies. person who at the tlme $e offence was committed was in cbargeof and was responsible' to, the company fottli'e conduct ot'the business of the cOmpanY. ~ Well as the'Company, shall be deemed to be guilty of the offence and shall be liableto be proceededagaiiist and punished accordingly: . .. '.' Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any sucb person liable to any punishment provided in this Act,'ifhe proveathat the offence was committed without hisknowledge or-thathe'has exercised-ell due diligenceto prevent jhe.ccmmission of such offence. (2) Notwithstanding.anything contained.in sub-section (/), where.an offence under .thls Act has been committed by a company and ,it is proved that,~, offence has been, ,,?omm~ttedwith the consent or ccnnlvance of or is atrrlbutable to, any" neglect on the part SEC. 1J 1HE GAZEITE ,.' . OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY - -. 21 of anydirector, manager, secretary or otherofficer of the company; such dlrector.imanager, secretary or other officer shall also be deemed to -be 'guilty of the offence and shall be, liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly Explanation.-Fc3r the purpose ef tl#s secti("n,- (0) "company" means anybodycorperateendincludes afirmor otherassociation of individuals; end, . ' (bl"dir~or". inreletien toa firm. me.ans a partner in the firrri. CHAi>TERx MISCEllANEOUS S1•.(1)' The Board-shall ni.ain~in, 8'-aa~, bank ~li' Inforrneticn- systeht relating to- MaiDtcnancc- activities-of entities dealing with Pe.1ro1euni, petroleum products and-natural-gas in such,' of d~ta bank farm and ~ann~r as may'be i?rovid~d, by regulations. -' :~.informa. (2) .The. Board shall have: po.Wer to -verify the datil supplied by the.entities and appoint ail}' person-ce.perscns for tfi,'e purpose and-take such.measures a!J:itma}' consider I" 0 • necessary,.. , 52. el}Everir-en,tity shall- Obligatio~!- of , '. ." .,- ' ..' '," entities . . ' ({l) majntain sucD',docwpenttpy.>recprltsss'may be spec~edpy the Beard-by regUlations;' '. : ,0. - (haIl6w ,ins'Pootion-"of':such ra:cili~eS:~d' doc~entary: records, as may-be , speci6~· by:theBO$:d.. by,any person 8Jltho.rised tiy tlieBoard;', • . , ,'. " , . , • 0 .'. . (~l co~encC"operation .of-~c,tiYities fsr which a¢lorfsa6on has'b~~ granted withinsuch p.¢rii41ssmjy t;~ sp~i:fied.;by~e Board in the d~~entqfalltboriSation; ," 'J. . 0 • 0 ' - (li) regi".,,- • (~~e~ei;J.ts"Wi~ *'~~ard r~~t to useofpip~liJ!;es f~r supply pi. p~trOle)in;;p~ol~'prod~Cts,.ami,~,gas; or·: " " " Qi)any ~th~ c(ci~eht wbicl.i th~;BO~d' may determineby re~atil!l~; '(e) '?OIiiplywi~ *~ s~rVice'Q~Ii~ti~~s ~'retail servi~ o~li~~ODs~ - , (2) the,B:aafd m,ay.;'i:alI mr ~ 4UonnatloJi 'from any entity ili~Iudingiinforination' which is go~id~r~.~ n~ ft)r ~ns~mg' ~~iai'ency,or astc:r-taining,true ·ownership. of tho . entity. , . . (3}~:rne Bo~ or ~y ;afficc~. a~_tboris~d by the Board sball.hav,e die power to inspectand obtiirt~informiltion. , ': - Wbeiever .. . D~. from the entities. . ' .. (4) Far tho, effee#vO:'eafotqemen~.o£,thc),erins .: '. "'. and .conditionS·!?f authi;lnSl¢on,the Board Of, any effleer atidioriSe4'by, it f.or<:that purpose, shall have aU tPe ROwers offan' 1 of 1956. inspectiOg~ offi~f as p~vi~odunacr ~o~ 209A oftb.e Co~a:nies ~et; i95:6. (5) It ~~, be the duty of cy~ e¥tY:tct carty o~ ~ directi~ris'ofthe,Boar.d given under this: secttcn, . . . .',' (6) The Beard-shall maii1.ta~ confi~entiaIiiy in'respectofany,infumlation-and record received br it fr<?n: the"eD~~es-_~~~I:ri'tdi~lo~ .~orma#on c;o~in~ th~in to any person OJ' au,thorny, except-on the grp~dS ef p.u&hc tnterest, : : : . , ' . ' ",. ' '53. 'Pte Board sh8.11 fun'lishiG ~e'GCD1ral~ove~t at-such tUhe 1¢4ill g~ .form Fuinishing of and manner: as may{,be. ~ or· asJtheiCe#tra1:Gavenuilent 1i'1ay.;Clir~suc~ returns rCtums, erc., to Central and stateIIien'ts , . end-such partiCularS " . . in reptd ", tfJ . ' in connectmli any matter . . . with . . proposed . '. Government or existing aetlvities under this A~ as the ~traJ Goveounentma)j,~froin, time,to tiMe, require. . .

22 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PAlITll- . Chairperson, 54. The Chairperson, Members, Officers and other employees of the Board and members, etc., Technical Member(petroleum and Natural Gas) of the AppellateTribunal shall be deemed, to be public when acting or purporting to act in pursuance of any of the provisions of this Act, to be servants. public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code. 45 of 1860, 'Protection of 55. No' suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Central action taken in Government, Board,Technical Authority or AppellateTribunalor anyofficerof the Central good reith. Government or anyChairperson. Member, officer or other employee ofthe Boardor Technical Member (petroleum and Natural Gas) of the Appellate Tribunal for anything which is in good faith done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder. Civil COUrts 56. No civil.court shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding. in . not to have respect of any matter which the Board or the Appellate Tribun"al is empowered by or under .jurisdicticn. this Act to determine, -and no injunction shall be granted by any court or other authority 'in respect of any action taken or to be taken in pursuance of any power conferred by or under this A c t ' - . Cognizance 57. (1) No'court shall take cognizance of any offence punishable under Chapter IX of ceitaili offences. _save on a complaint made by the Board or by any investigating agency directed by the CentralGovernment. (2) No court u;rerior to that of a Chief MetropolitanMagistrate or of a Chief Judicial" Magistrate shall tryany offence punishable under Chapter IX. (3) Every offence punishable under sections 44, 45, 46 and 47 shall be cognizable. Delegation.. 58. The Board may, by general- or special order in writing, delegate to any memberor officer of the Board subject to such conditions, if any,- as may be specified in the order, such ofits powers end functions under this ACt (except the power to settle a dispute under Chapter VI and to" make regulations under section 61), as it may deem necessary,. Power 10 . 59. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this- Act, the remove CentralGovernment may, by order, publishedin the OfficialGazette, makesuchprovisions difficulties. , not inconsistent With the provisions 'of this Act as it may deem necessary for removing the difficulty: Provided that no ordershall be made under this section after the expiryoftwo years - from the date ofcommencement ofthis Act. . (i) E~erY order made under s~tionshall be !lud, as-soon as may be .~ it is this made, before each HouseofParliament. - Powc:i of 60•.(1) The CentralGovernment-may. by notification, make rulesfor carryingout the Central provisions of this Act ., ' Governmcnt 10 make Riles. (2) In.particular, and without prejudice to the, generality of-the. foregoing power,' such rules mey provide. for all .cr any of the following matters,. namely:- (a) the salaries-and allowances pa)ral;lle to and the-other conditions ofservice of --the Chairperson and the ~ther members under sub-section(4)-ofsection 5; (b) the procedure for appointmentof any person or constitution ofany authority and conductinginquiryunder section 7; (c) the s~aries and' allcnvan~ payable-to and the othertermS ~d ~nditioDs of_ serviceofthe Secretary, officers and otheremployeesof the Board,undersub-section (3)pfsection 10; '_, ',.. _ :.' t • - (d) any-other matterin respect ofwhichthe Boardmay exercisethe powersofa , civil court under clause"(J) of sub-section(1) ofsectiori 13; . M the eligibility conditions which an entity shall fulfil for registration under sub-sectio.~ (1) of section 15; - SEC. I] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 23 (j) the form ofappealend the manner ofverifyiog such form, andthefee which shall accompany such form, undersub-section (,2) of section l3; (g) the manner in which the accounts of-the Board shall be maintained under- sub-section (1) cf section 40; . (h) thetimeandmanner inwhich theannualreportof theBoar<I shallbe prepared · undersub-section (J)ofsection 41; (I) theform andmanner in which appllcatiensfor clelming co~pensation shallbe made, the procedure for determming.the-cempensation andthe rlrnewithln whichsuch compensation shall be payable, undensub-sectton'(J) of section43; , (r) ,the timeand manner in which returns and stetements-are.to be-furnished by' - theBoard to the Central Gsvemment undersection53; . (k) anyothermatterWhich isto be, or maybe, prescribed, or in respect ofwhich provision is to be made, by.rules. .' 61. el} The B'oardmay. by notification, make regulations consistent with thisAct- Power of and the rules made ~r~under to carry ouUhe prevlsions of this Act. Board 10 miko rcgtllatioDs. ~(2) I~ particullU", and without, pJ;.ej~dil3e to the..generality of the-fbregolng. power, .such regulations-may · proYideifoi!:aU D~ any ', ,oftheJ'olloWing . matters, namely;:""· .,. . , ' 'ca) the ume and P~ cffmeetm8s of4te. Board an~ th~ procedure (~c!ud~g. , querumnecessary .' " ror die , tranSactian:pf ., " . busfuess) ." , to be "followed . et such'meetings: " under .sub-secccn (4) of.se~,tion 8; . (b) the poWe~ and ~ties oft:l:fe Secre~ under.sub-section (1) ofseCrtion .10; , (~) the terms arid con'ifitienS o.rdie ~ons~~ts appointed un~er sii.b~~ction'(4) of section 10; . .(d) th~ Capacity ofsto~~ !acUities fer p~troleuni. petroleum productsomamral- gas requiring registrati~n unQIU' ~ulJicla?se (ii~16fc~se (b) of section11; · '." ' ' - ' ~. (e) regulatirts:'opanac.eess to 8;n.chi'aitsp~r4ilio~rilte.for.th~pominOIi carrier ar: centrast Carrier· or..City or ,1oc81 :natura! gas e:tistribution network end othor matters- refl:rred to in clause (e) ot:section Ii;. "'. . , . , ' . '. . (j) marketing .serv~cci,ob:ligaticmsi.for. e~tities.artd re~1 service obllgarlona for rCtailj)utlets unael':Sulxlalise (vro{:CliUse Wofsection i i; . (g) levyof tees and othercbarge(undqrciawe (g) af sectlotr l l; (h) th!' 'te~ stan~ds a6d- ~pecifiCltiong. includitig sefety standards in activities rclatingto petrOlelUn;petreleurn. proouCts andnatural gas undef';cl~Us~ W of' secticnl I; . . , (I) the: procedure to be follewed by.the B-oud incluaingthe-places atwhlch it shall-conduct . its . business under , '. sub-seeticn . ; ' (J) of section . 13; .' (I) the manner/ofmaiDtaining the,Pelrbleum' imd Natural Gas Register under . sUb·sCctien~I) of~clic.l I~; . . - : . . '.' . ..." " . . (.t)tlll~·form~d'nwmei'ofinaking;~~IicatiQnfo.r~b~g~edcopYQfany en~ in the register. and th~ feel. which 5~U' mmpany 's~ch aP,p1ic:ation, un~er sub-- section (4) ofsection:I~~ . (1) the ferm ~d marinerinwhich aft ap'pijca#on uildjl,r. sub-section &) rifsecrlon 15 'shall be made and the fte which maU.aetompany·,suCb applitation urider sub-- section(2) of section 1 5 ; ' ' .

24 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [PARTll- (m) the manner by which a certificateof registration granted under sub-section (3) ofsection 15 may be suspended or cancelled under sub-section (4) of section IS; , (n) the fonn and manner in which an application under sub-section (1) or sub-- section (2) of section 17 shall be made and the fee which shall accompany such application under sub-section (3) of section 17; (0) the form and manner in which publicity of acceptanceof applications for registration shall" be made under section 18; (P) the manner ofselection ofan entity under sub-section (2) of sectlon 19; ,- '.~ (q) the principlesfor determining the number afyears for whicha city or local natural gas distribution network shall be excluded from the purview of a common carrieror contract carrierundersub-section (4) ofsecticn io; (r) the guiding principles to be followed by the Board and the objectives for declaring, or authorising to lay,build,operate or expand acommon carrier-or contract carrier for declaring, or authorising to lay, buil~ operate or expand a city or local natural gas distribution network, Under sub-section (5) o~ section 20; . . . (3)the affiliatecode ofconductunder whichthe entitiesare required to comply with under the proviso to sub-section (1) of section 21; , (t) the transportation taritrs· for common.carriers or contract carriers or city or local natural gas distributionnetworkand the mannerofdetCrminingsuch tariffs under sub-section (1).ofsection 22; (u) theforminwhicha complelntmaybemede and the feeWhich shallaccompany .such complaint, undersub-section (2) of section 25; (11) the manner of holding ail investigation by an Investigating Officer under ,. of section 26; sub-section (J) (w) the'qualiflcetlons and experience which any person for appointment as an Investigating.pffi~rsh~l possess, ~~er sub-section (2) of section 26; (x) the fOrm and mannerofmaintainingdata berikaad information systemby the Board under sub-section (1) of section 51; .' . . (y) meffrtenance of documentaryrecords'by an entity, under clause (a) of sub- section (1) of section 52;· . .. (z) any other'typeof documentswhich are to beregistered with the Board under . . .. sub-clause (i.J) of clause (d) ofsub-section (1) of sectlcn 52; . . (za) any othermatterwhichisrequired to be, or maybe, ~pee:ified by regulatlcns or in respect ofwhichprovision is to be or may be made by regulations. , Rules IDd 61. Every-rule made by the Central Government and every regulation made by the " regulations to Board under this Act shall be' laid, es'scoa as maybe after it is made, before eachHouse be laid b e f o r e ' · ). ~ ulilmcnt. 'ofParliament, wfu1e it is in session, for lirotal period ofthirty~ 4ays ~c1). may be comprised in one session orin two or mere successive sessions, and:i~ before the expiry of-the session immediately following-the session or the successive sessions' aforesaid, .both . Houses agree in makiilg any rilodification in the rule Of regulation or bothHouses agree that the rule or regulation should not be made, the rule Of regulation shallthereafter.have effect onlyin such modifiedform Of be ofno'effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modificationor 'annulmentshail be without prejudice'to the validity of anything previously done Under ttUrt,rule or regulation. SEC. I] THE GAZETfE OF INDIAEXTRAORDINARY 25 63; (I) Where, before the commencement of this Act, an agreement or agreements Transitional have been entered into between one oil company and another for-the purpose o'fsharing arrangements. of petrolewn products or sharing of infrastructure facilities among the oil companies and suchagreements have beenapproved by the.Central Government, the Board may monitor the implementation.of such agreements for the transition period; (2) The Boardshall monitor setting up-of dealerships anddistributorships -of motor spirit, highspeed diesel, superior kerosene oil, liquefied petroleum gasand 6:NG stations for natural gas during transition period by the entities without encroaching-on-the retail network anne existing-entities. EXplanation I.-For the purposes of this section, the expression "transition period" shall mean a period,: of three years from the date of commencement of this Act. Explanation IL-:-For the purposes of'thJssection, "infrastructure facllltiesvshall mean fitcilities at ports, refineries, terminals, depctsand ilviati<;iD fuelling stationsincluding hydrant lin~ and shall include.leading and' unloading facilities. ' Explanation III.-For the purposes of this section "encroaching!' includes taking over of retail outlet of one entity by another. K. N. €lb\TlJR.VEp~ SeC}t to tke GOlti'. of IndiQ.' ." .. , PRlNlBDBYTHiMANAOBR. GOVERNMENr OF'INDJA PRESS. MINTO ROAD; NBW DELHI- AND . PUBLISHBDBY nmcoN'rllOLLER..OF PUBLI~TIONS;·DELm. 2006. . MGIPMRNo-;..1GI(S4}-4+2008. ~i • -';' - -~- " .,. ","