Supreme Court Slams Reliance With ₹10 Lakh Fine Over Prolonged Litigation

The Supreme Court of India has imposed a ₹10 lakh fine on Reliance Industries Limited for delaying a 20-year-old commercial dispute over natural gas supply. The case, filed by NTPC in 2005, remains stuck at the evidence stage despite multiple rounds of appeals and challenges.

The court criticized Reliance's approach to the litigation, stating that the company's ability to litigate and obstruct the progress of the case appeared to be 'unlimited.' The Supreme Court also noted that the suit has still not progressed beyond the evidence stage, even after being directed in 2019 to be disposed of within nine months.

The original dispute arose when NTPC invited bids for the supply of natural gas to its power plants. Reliance submitted a financial proposal, but the company has since raised multiple objections and challenges, contributing to the prolonged litigation.