Cochin Med Oxygens Distributors Medical Industrial Gases v. Chief Controller Of Explosives
2013-06-18
A.M.SHAFFIQUE
body2013
DigiLaw.ai
JUDGMENT A.M. Shaffique, J. 1. The petitioner is a distributor of medical oxygen and challenges the action of respondents 1 to 3 in permitting the 4th respondent to manufacture and supply medical oxygen to various hospitals in and around Cochin. According to the petitioner, the 4th respondent is manufacturing and supplying Oxygen without necessary approvals or permission as provided under the Gas Cylinder Rules 2004 and the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels(Unfired) Rules 1981. Though the petitioner had taken up the matter before the respondents 1 to 3 on certain occasions, despite calling upon the 4th respondent to comply with the Rules, no further action is taken in the matter. According to the petitioner, the 4th respondent is supplying medical oxygen to various hospitals after putting up storage equipments like cylinders in the premises of a hospital. This according to the petitioner requires proper licence as provided under the Gas Cylinder Rules. 2. Counter affidavit is filed by respondents 1 to 3 inter alia contending that having noticed the activities of the 4th respondent, they have taken necessary action in the matter. They have also produced certain documents to indicate that explanation were called for from the 4th respondent in relation to the storage and supply of medical oxygen to the various hospitals indicated by them. 3. The 4th respondent has filed a counter affidavit inter alia contending that there is no specific rule for obtaining such permission as far as storage of medical oxygen in cryogenic cylinders are concerned. The Rules does not contemplate any such permission and therefore, no such approval is required. The 4th respondent also relied upon an Office Memorandum dated 8.6.2012 of the Government of India, Ministry of Commerce and Industry in Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (Explosives Section). Ext.R4(a) is the said document. By virtue of the aforesaid Office Memorandum, there is an indication that an expert committee had been constituted to look into various aspects relating to Static & Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 1981 and Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004. The aforesaid document would show that an apprehension was expressed by the expert committee in the matter relating to the new technologies being adopted including installation and filling portable/stationary cryogenic containers. Paragraph 3 and 4 of Ext.R4(a) is reads as under. "3.
The aforesaid document would show that an apprehension was expressed by the expert committee in the matter relating to the new technologies being adopted including installation and filling portable/stationary cryogenic containers. Paragraph 3 and 4 of Ext.R4(a) is reads as under. "3. The averment in paragraph No.5 of the writ petition that licence is required in respect of the premises for decantation is incorrect and hence denied. As far as the business of the 4th respondent is concerned it involves establishment of static pressure vessels containing cryogenic oxygen above one Kilolitre water capacity in hospital premises with management of the same and the establishment and management of Cryogenic Static containers of 940 litres water capacity. As far as the vessels above one Kilolitre water capacity licence is required for storage, filling and transportation and proper licence is taken in respect of each vessel, vehicle and premises. The licence is being issued by the first respondent from time to time after verification, testing etc. 4. As far as the containers below 1000 litres water capacity, licence is not required for possession, filling and storage. The containers have water capacity of 940 litres and the weight of an empty container is 990 KGs. When it is filled with cryogenic oxygen to the maximum capacity, the weight total will come to nearly 1700 KGs. Thus it is evident such empty container or filled container is not a portable one. Hence such containers cannot be brought within the definition of 'Cylinder' under the Gas Cylinder Rules, 2004. Even if it is assumed to fall within the definition, Rule 44 exempts from licence up to a maximum number of 200 at a time. Therefore the contention that the trade/business of the 4th respondent is without licence is to be rejected and the writ petition is liable to be dismissed at the threshold." 4. On this basis it is argued that as far as cryogenic cylinders are concerned Rules does not provide for any specific provision which resulted in the committee deciding to make necessary provision taking into consideration international regulations and standards including Code of Practices. Hence, it is stated that the Rules have no application. 5.
On this basis it is argued that as far as cryogenic cylinders are concerned Rules does not provide for any specific provision which resulted in the committee deciding to make necessary provision taking into consideration international regulations and standards including Code of Practices. Hence, it is stated that the Rules have no application. 5. The learned counsel for the 4th respondent also relied upon the definition of Gas Cylinder or Cylinder in Rule 2 (xxi) of the Gas Cylinders Rules, 2004 which reads as under: 2(xxi) "Gas Cylinder" or "Cylinder" means by closed metal container having a volume exceeding 500 ml but not exceeding 1000 litres intended for the storage and transport of compressed gas, including any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), container compressed natural gas(CNG) cylinder fitted to a motor vehicle as its fuel tank but not including any other such container fitted to a special transport or under-carriage and includes a composite cylinder, however, the water capacity of cylinders used for storage of CNG, nitrogen, compressed air, etc. may exceed 1000 liters up to 2500 liters provided the diameter of such cylinder does not exceed 60 cm. 6. Apparently, going by the aforesaid Rule, it means that closed metal container having a volume of 500 ml but not exceeding 1000 litres intended for storage and transport of "compressed gas, including any liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), container compressed natural gas(CNG) etc". The contention of the respondent is that in so far as the medical oxygen is now being transported and stored in the various hospitals is not in the form of compressed gas, the rules will not apply. Prima facie, it appears to be so. 7. In the counter affidavit filed by respondents 1 to 3 it is stated that appropriate action is being contemplated in the matter. But I do not think that taking into consideration the definition of Gas Cylinder under the Gas Cylinders Rules, the authorities will be in a position to take any action against the 4th respondent as well. However, it is a matter to be considered as to whether the Rules would apply to the petitioner in appropriate proceedings and therefore, it may not be possible for this Court to enter into a finding with regard to the same as matters stand now. 8.
However, it is a matter to be considered as to whether the Rules would apply to the petitioner in appropriate proceedings and therefore, it may not be possible for this Court to enter into a finding with regard to the same as matters stand now. 8. The learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that in the minutes of meeting held on 16.3.2012 produced as Ext.P15 there is an indication that a decision was taken, that the approval of design, manufacture and testing of cryogenic container/cylinder may be considered as per the provisions of the Gas Cylinders Rule, 2004 or SMPV(U) Rules, 1981. This decision by itself would indicate that as matters stand now there is some doubt in the mind of the authorities concerned in regard to the application of Gas Cylinders Rules with reference to cryogenic cylinders. Unless finality is reached in respect of the same, I do not think that this Court will be justified in issuing directions as sought for in the above writ petition . In these circumstances, I am of the view that sufficient material is not available to indicate that the 4th respondent has committed any illegality in the matter and therefore the directions as sought for cannot be granted. Hence the writ petition is dismissed.