Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited has suspended the 'Kitchen Flame' LPG dealership following reports that it was operated during a former judge's judicial tenure. The action occurred after the agency failed to respond to regulatory show-cause notices regarding business conduct.
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) has officially suspended the dealership of an LPG distributorship known as 'Kitchen Flame.' The move follows allegations concerning the ownership of the business during a 16-year period, which coincided with the judicial tenure of Siddharth Mridul, the former Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court.
Regulatory Action by BPCL
The decision to suspend the dealership was finalized on July 6, 2026. According to company records, the suspension was triggered by the agency’s failure to provide a response to multiple show-cause notices issued by the public sector oil marketing company. BPCL maintains strict guidelines regarding the operation of its retail outlets, and the company views the simultaneous holding of a constitutional office and a private commercial business as a violation of its operational agreements.
Origins of the Inquiry
The controversy gained public attention following a legal dispute initiated by Monika Yadav, the widow of the agency’s former manager, who sought the transfer of ownership rights through the Delhi High Court. During these proceedings in late 2025, formal complaints were raised regarding the actual beneficial owner of the LPG agency. These complaints alleged that the agency was being operated by a sitting judge, which prompted the subsequent investigation by the oil marketing company.
Judicial Conduct and Conflict Rules
The matter raises questions regarding the judicial code of conduct in India. Judges are governed by constitutional principles and service rules that prohibit them from engaging in active business, trade, or commercial activities while holding public office. Such rules are designed to prevent conflicts of interest and ensure the independence and neutrality of the judiciary. Siddharth Mridul served as a judge at the Delhi High Court starting in March 2008 and was later appointed as the Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court in October 2023.
Investor Monitorables
For investors and market participants, the primary concern remains the regulatory and governance standards of public sector undertakings like BPCL. The key monitorable is whether this suspension leads to further investigations or broader operational audits regarding dealership ownership across the country. Additionally, market observers may track any further court orders or official statements from the company regarding the final termination or potential reinstatement of the license, as these outcomes could influence internal compliance processes within the oil marketing sector.