Justice Siddharth Mridul, who served on the Delhi High Court and later as Chief Justice of Manipur, allegedly operated a BPCL LPG distribution agency throughout his tenure. The controversy raises serious questions about judicial ethics and contract compliance.

Key Takeaways

  • Justice Siddharth Mridul maintained an LPG agency for 16 years while holding high‑court positions.
  • BPCL issued multiple notices before suspending the agency on July 6.
  • The episode spotlights gaps in judicial transparency and conflict‑of‑interest safeguards.

Retired Justice Siddharth Mridul served as a judge of the Delhi High Court from March 2008 until his elevation to Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court in October 2023, retiring in November 2024. During this period he continued to own and operate a Bharat Petroleum‑linked LPG distributorship named “Kitchen Flame,” a contract originally awarded in 1984.

Contract History and Renewal Cycle

The distribution agreement was renewed on August 25, 1995; August 24, 2005; August 23, 2010; August 25, 2015; May 7, 2025; and most recently on September 29, 2025, extending its validity to August 24, 2030. Each renewal bore Mridul’s photograph and signature on a stamp‑paper, indicating his direct involvement despite his full‑time judicial responsibilities.

Violation of Judicial Conduct Codes

Constitutional court judges are bound by a strict code of conduct that prohibits any pecuniary, contractual, or commercial ties with government entities, PSUs, or private firms. By continuing the LPG dealership while serving on the bench, Mridul appears to have breached these ethical standards, a fact that BPCL highlighted in its formal communications.

BPCL’s Notices and Suspension

On May 29, 2025, BPCL sent a notice stating that Mridul’s undisclosed continuation of the agency during his judicial tenure violated multiple clauses of the agreement. The corporation cited earlier letters dated January 30 and February 26, 2025, seeking an explanation that went unanswered. Consequently, BPCL suspended the “Kitchen Flame” dealership on July 6, 2025.

Legal Challenge by the Agency’s Widow

Monika Yadav, the widow of former manager Deepak Yadav, filed a petition in the Delhi High Court requesting BPCL to adjudicate her application for the reconstitution of the agency’s ownership in her favor. The court had asked BPCL to decide within two months, but after the suspension, Yadav accused the PSU of willful non‑compliance and further victimising her.

Broader Implications for the Judiciary

This controversy not only tarnishes the reputation of an individual judge but also underscores systemic weaknesses in monitoring judicial conflicts of interest. With Parliament already considering reforms to remove judges implicated in misconduct, the Mridul case could accelerate calls for stricter disclosure norms and independent oversight mechanisms.