A controversy has emerged involving Justice (Retd.) Siddharth Mridul, former judge of the Delhi High Court and former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, following allegations that an LPG distributorship continued in his name during his tenure in the judiciary.
State-owned Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has suspended the dealership, citing alleged violations of the distributorship agreement and applicable conduct requirements. The dispute is now pending before the courts.
Judicial Career Timeline
According to available records:
- Began legal practice in the Delhi High Court in 1986
- Appointed Judge of the Delhi High Court in March 2008
- Became Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court in October 2023
- Served until retirement from the constitutional judiciary
LPG Dealership Under Scrutiny
The controversy relates to an LPG distributorship operating under the name Kitchen Flame.
According to reports:
- The dealership was originally granted in 1984.
- It allegedly continued in Justice Mridul's name throughout his judicial service.
- The agreement was reportedly renewed several times.
Reported renewal years include:
- 1995
- 2005
- 2010
- 2015
- May 2025
- September 2025
The latest agreement is reportedly valid until August 2030.
Questions Over Judicial Ethics
Reports indicate that the latest distributorship agreement allegedly bears Justice Mridul's photograph and signature.
The controversy has raised questions regarding:
- Continued commercial interests during judicial service.
- Possible conflict of interest.
- Standards of judicial ethics.
- Public confidence in judicial independence.
The allegations remain subject to judicial examination, and no final findings have been made.
Complaint Led to BPCL Action
According to reports:
- A public complaint was filed in December 2025.
- BPCL issued a show-cause notice on May 29, 2026.
- The company sought an explanation regarding the dealership.
BPCL reportedly concluded that the explanation received was not satisfactory.
Dealership Suspended
On July 6, 2026, BPCL suspended the Kitchen Flame LPG distributorship.
The company cited alleged violations of:
- The distributorship agreement.
- Applicable code of conduct.
- Terms governing dealership eligibility.
The suspension has since become the subject of legal proceedings.
Separate Transfer Application Also Pending
Before the suspension, Monika Yadav, wife of Deepak Yadav, who was managing the dealership, had approached the Delhi High Court seeking transfer of the dealership in her name.
The High Court reportedly directed BPCL to consider her application.
Following the suspension, she again approached the court alleging:
- Delay in deciding the transfer application.
- Suspension of LPG supplies.
- Arbitrary action by BPCL.
The petition remains pending.
Matter Before the Courts
The legal proceedings are expected to examine:
- Validity of the dealership.
- BPCL's suspension order.
- Compliance with distributorship conditions.
- Judicial ethics issues.
- Rights of the parties involved.
The final outcome will depend upon evidence, contractual documents and judicial findings.
No Final Findings Yet
At present:
- The allegations have not been judicially determined.
- BPCL's action is under challenge.
- The court has not delivered any final verdict.
- The matter remains sub judice.
Conclusion
The controversy has drawn attention because it involves questions surrounding judicial ethics, commercial interests and public confidence in constitutional institutions.
The courts will ultimately determine whether any contractual or legal violations occurred and whether BPCL's suspension decision was justified.
Shunyatax Global Insight
Shunyatax Global says that holders of constitutional or public offices should periodically review their business interests, partnerships and commercial arrangements to ensure compliance with applicable service conditions, ethical standards and contractual obligations. Proper disclosure, timely restructuring of ownership and transparent governance help minimise potential conflicts of interest and strengthen institutional credibility.