Introduction and Context: The Orissa High Court, led by Dr. Justice Sanjeeb Kumar Panigrahi, recently directed the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to establish a comprehensive advertisement policy. This order, arising from a writ petition by an LPG blast victim, stressed the need for widespread public awareness regarding insurance coverage for accidents involving LPG cylinders. The court expressed concerns about the lack of knowledge among LPG users about safety standards and the insurance benefits they are entitled to in case of accidents.
The Case and Background: The case stems from a petition by Sushant Behera, who suffered injuries due to an accidental LPG blast. Behera sought compensation from the gas agency and the insurance company. The court, while hearing the petition, pointed out that a majority of LPG consumers remain unaware of their rights to claim compensation under the existing insurance schemes. This ignorance often deprives victims of crucial financial assistance in times of crisis.
Court’s Concerns on Public Awareness: The bench observed that while oil marketing companies (OMCs) offer insurance coverage under the 'Public Liability Policy for Oil Industries,' this information is not properly disseminated to the public. Many victims remain unaware of the compensation available, including personal accident claims up to INR 6 lakhs, medical coverage of INR 2 lakhs per person, and property damage claims. The court criticized the lack of a clear response mechanism for such emergencies and called for an organized system to inform consumers of their rights and available safety measures.
Handling of LPG Cylinders and Safety Training: A significant portion of the judgment was devoted to highlighting unsafe practices in the transportation and handling of LPG cylinders. The court noted that in semi-urban areas, it is common to see LPG delivery staff carrying multiple cylinders on unsafe vehicles such as bicycles or mopeds, creating significant safety risks. Moreover, the workers themselves are often not trained in hazard management, fire safety, or first-aid protocols in the event of gas leaks or explosions.
Directives for Improvement: To address these issues, the court directed the Ministry to develop a comprehensive advertisement policy. The primary objective of this policy would be to inform the public about insurance benefits, safety measures, and proper handling procedures. The court emphasized that the Ministry should ensure that key information, including insurance details, be printed on customer receipts and disseminated through mass media channels. This would help create a better-informed consumer base and prevent accidents related to ignorance or negligence.
Conclusion: The Orissa High Court’s ruling underscores the critical need for public awareness on LPG safety and accident insurance. By mandating proactive measures from the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, the court aims to safeguard consumers and ensure that victims of LPG-related accidents are adequately compensated. The judgment is a call to action for both oil marketing companies and government agencies to prioritize safety and transparency in the distribution and use of LPG cylinders.
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