RGPPL Clarifies Facts Regarding Claims by Ex-Servicemen Engaged by Erstwhile Dabhol Power Company

Janjivan Bureau/ New Delhi: After allegations of ex service men clarify the fact. Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt. Ltd. (RGPPL) has come to know that a group of ex-servicemen is attempting to spread misinformation and make unfounded claims with the intent to malign the image of RGPPL. The Company strongly denies these allegations and places the following factual position on record for clarity and public information.
During the period 1997–98, the erstwhile Dabhol Power Company (DPC) had engaged ex-servicemen for security services through its associate company, Offshore Power Operation (OPO). In 2000–01, following the bankruptcy of its parent company, Enron, DPC abandoned the Dabhol Power Project at Ratnagiri. Subsequently, the Court Receiver appointed by the Hon’ble Bombay High Court took possession of the project site and its assets. To ensure continued security of the project, the Court Receiver engaged a private security agency, under which the ex-servicemen continued to render security services.
Under the aegis of the Group of Ministers (GoM), Government of India, Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt. Ltd. (RGPPL) was incorporated in July 2005 as a joint venture of NTPC Ltd., GAIL (India) Ltd., various financial institutions, and MSEB Holding Company.
Pursuant to the order of the Hon’ble Bombay High Court dated 05/06 October 2005 in Suit No. 1116 of 2005, RGPPL took possession of the assets of Dabhol Power Company. The said order explicitly provided that the transfer of possession would be without any past liabilities or encumbrances.
After taking over the project, RGPPL, following due process and established procedures, awarded the security services contract through a tendering process to a security agency in December 2006. Since then, the concerned ex-servicemen have not been engaged by or worked under any security agency appointed by RGPPL. It is reiterated that these ex-servicemen were neither on the rolls of RGPPL nor on the rolls of NTPC at any point in time.
Meanwhile, the ex-servicemen filed a case against Dabhol Power Company before the Assistant Labour Commissioner, Ratnagiri. Subsequently, during the period 2006–2010, they impleaded RGPPL in the matter. The cases were referred to the Labour Court, Ratnagiri, while one association-related case was referred to the Industrial Court, Kolhapur. After due consideration and hearings, both the Labour Court, Ratnagiri and the Industrial Court, Kolhapur disposed of the cases in favour of RGPPL.
Aggrieved by the said orders, the ex-servicemen have filed an appeal before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court. As on date, the matter is sub judice before the Hon’ble Bombay High Court.
In light of the above, RGPPL strongly refutes any attempt to spread misinformation or create a misleading narrative with ulterior motives. The Company remains committed to transparency and compliance with all legal and statutory requirements.