42Power of Central Government to issue directions

(1) The Central Government may, from time to time, by writing issue to the Board such directions as it may think necessary in the interest of the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security of the State, friendly relations with foreign States or public order.

(2) Without prejudice to the foregoing provision, the Central Government may, if it finds necessary or expedient so to do in public interest or for maintaining or increasing supplies of petroleum, petroleum products or natural gas or all or any of them or for securing their equitable distribution and ensuring adequate availability, issue policy directives to the Board in writing and such policy directives shall be binding upon the Board:

Provided that no such directive shall relate to any day-to-day affairs of the Board:

Provided further that the Board shall, as far as practicable, be given an opportunity of expressing its views before any directive is issued under this sub-section.

(3) The decision of the Central Government whether a question is one of policy or not shall be final.