LPG Shortage issue not for Courts to Fix, says HC

The Karnataka High Court has declined to interfere in a petition filed by the Bengaluru Hotels Association over the commercial LPG shortage affecting the hospitality sector. The Court refused to issue directions to the government, holding that issues involving global energy constraints and distribution policy fall within the executive domain, not judicial review. The decision is significant as it reinforces judicial restraint in matters of economic policy and resource allocation.

The petition arose amid an alleged shortage of commercial LPG cylinders in Karnataka, which the hotel industry claimed was severely impacting operations across Bengaluru. The Association challenged a state notification restricting daily supply and argued that the allocation—especially the quota for hotels and eateries, was disproportionately low compared to neighbouring states.

It was further contended that thousands of establishments and lakhs of workers were dependent on the hospitality sector, making the supply restriction economically damaging. The Union and State, however, defended the distribution framework, citing broader supply chain constraints and administrative considerations in allocation.

The Court firmly held that constitutional courts cannot step into policy formulation or executive decision-making in matters involving complex distribution systems and global supply factors. It observed that “Article 226 of the Constitution, though with wide application, cannot be utilised to supplant executive wisdom”, and noted that the State was already addressing the issue through administrative channels. The Bench also recorded agreement with similar judicial views taken by other High Courts and observed that the petitioner was free to approach the concerned minister for redressal.

Accordingly, the petition was disposed of without issuing any directions.