RNRL's counsel Mahesh Aggarwal said, in a letter addressed to the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, that the ministry has been joined by RIL in its SLP in the Supreme Court as an "intervener only, and not as a party respondent."

The counsel further said that the Bombay High Court in its order dated October 22, 2008 had directed the ministry to be joined as an intervener in the appeal filed by RIL.

It was specifically recorded by the court at that time too that the ministry "is not a party respondent and has been joined as an intervener for the limited purpose of assistance in the interpretation of the PSC (Production sharing Contract between the government and RIL)," he noted.

The counsel further said that RIL has relied upon the same High Court order to join the ministry and describe it as an intervener in its SLP.

Earlier, the Supreme Court issued notices to RIL, RNRL and the Centre on cross-appeals by both the companies on their gas supply dispute.