A division bench, headed by acting Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, while reserving the order after marathon arguments, also sought clarification from Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) on how the oil reserve in Panna-Mukta oil fields was shown at about 14 million tonnes against initial projection of 54 million tonnes.

The court also sought clarification from ONGC on why its board members were not barred from joining private companies after their retirement, as a similar condition existed for its employees.

PILs, filed by Centre for Public Interest Litigation (CPIL) and advocate B L Wadhera alleged that ONGC was made to sign the deal under ``political pressure'' and Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) had pointed out several ``flaws'' in it.

Concluding his arguments CPIL advocatePrashant Bhushan said some ``important'' aspects needed to be thoroughly probed and suggested that the matter should be referred to Chief Vigilence Commissioner (CAG) with the suggestion to set up an ``independent'' team to look into the matter as CAG had pointed out several ``irregularities'' on the part of the Government.