Karnataka High Court Says “No” to Intervening in Gas Supply says “Government Doing Its Best”

The Karnataka High Court on Monday, March 23, 2026, officially declined to intervene in the state’s worsening commercial LPG crisis, delivering a firm message of judicial restraint. Justice Sachin Shankar Magadum, while disposing of a petition filed by the Bangalore Hotels Association, made it clear that the court would not second-guess the government’s management of a global supply shortage triggered by conflicts in the Middle East. “Government is doing their best. Better than other countries. Can’t subject it to judicial review. I will pass an order (disposing of the plea), courts should not get into all this, that too in a war-like situation,” Justice Magadum remarked, emphasizing that during such times, the state must be allowed to prioritize resources (like choosing between homes and businesses) without interference from the bench.

The ruling comes as a blow to the hospitality sector, which has been reeling under a severe shortage since the “Natural Gas (Supply) Order, 2026” was issued on March 9. The Association argued that Bengaluru alone has 40,000 eateries and 6 lakh workers currently surviving on less than 5% of their usual gas requirements, leading to hundreds of closures. However, the court aligned with the Union Government’s stance that the situation is “fluid and evolving” due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

While the court refused to issue a legal mandate for supply, some minor administrative relief followed shortly after; Karnataka Minister K.H. Muniyappa announced in the Legislative Council that the government would now aim to meet 20% of the hotel industry’s daily needs, while strongly urging businesses to shift toward piped natural gas (PNG) or alternative energy sources like electricity and biomass.