The petroleum ministry has also filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court with the plea that Krishna-Godavari gas was national property.

In June, the Bombay High Court asked Reliance Industries to supply 28 million units of gas from the fields to Reliance Natural Resources for 17 years at $2.34 per unit.

But Reliance Industries challenged the verdict in the Supreme Court, which heard the case July 20 and fixed Sep 1 as the next date of hearing. The court also asked all parties to file their replies on the government position on the matter by then.

In an interview to a television channel, Shinde said a decision has not been taken on NTPC moving the Supreme Court on its dispute with Reliance Industries.

'My corporation (NTPC) is capable to take a decision (on the issue). It is the board of directors that will take decision on this account,' he said.