JUDGMENT

Mini Pushkarna, J.

1. The present appeal challenges the judgment dated 08th February, 2024 passed by the learned Single Judge in W.P.(C) 15285/2023. Vide the said judgment, the learned Single Judge has granted a stay, thereby restraining the appellant herein from proceeding further with laying down of the pipeline from Ennore Port to Manali Industrial Area, Chennai, Tamil Nadu during the pendency of the writ petition.

2. Pursuant to a bidding process, respondent no.3-IMC Limited was authorized on 18th December, 2015 by respondent no.1, i.e., Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board ("PNGRB") to lay, build and operate the Ennore Port-Manali Industrial Area petroleum products pipeline.

3. The appellant, Indian Oil Corporation Limited ("IOCL") is a Public Sector Undertaking ("PSU"). The appellant had also participated in the aforesaid bid process of PNGRB, but was unsuccessful. However, subsequently the appellant-IOCL started laying a pipeline at Ennore Port, grass root terminal at Vallur (Chennai). The said pipeline is along the very same route on which the respondent no. 3-IMC Limited has been authorized to lay, build and operate the pipeline. The said work was started by the