The Patna high court on Wednesday directed IndianOil and Gasolene Petrol Pump, Boring Road-Patna to file counter affidavits to a PIL seeking closure of the petrol pump, where an oil tanker was gutted in a fire, or its relocation to another place.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice Rekha Manharlal Doshit and Justice Jyoti Saran issued the directive while hearing the PIL of one Ramanuj Tiwari. The PIL pleaded against the location of a petrol pump in a densely-populated area.

Petrol pump proprietor Amit Mukherjee, in his affidavit, submitted it has been a popular outlet and customers are waiting for its reopening. He said he has taken adequate safety measures.

The IOC lawyer supported the plea of the petrol pump owner.