District Authority can Reject Petrol Pump NOC for Violating CPCB Distance Norms From Schools

The Kerala High Court held that a District Authority may lawfully reject an application for a No Objection Certificate under Rule 144 of the Petroleum Rules, 2002 if the proposed petrol outlet does not maintain the minimum distance from schools and other public places as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) guidelines.

The Court clarified that the distance should be measured from the school’s compound wall, including the playground, as it is integral to the school’s functioning.

It upheld the refusal of the NOC since one of the schools fell within the prohibited distance.

[Ashwin Abraham Cherian v. Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd. & Ors.,]