New Delhi, Dec 2: The Government has filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court saying that the arrangement for public sector NTPC cannot be equated with any agreement between RIL and RNRL.

The affidavit said, "The rights and obligation of NTPC and RIL cannot be regarded as similar in status to the private arrangement as in the case of RIL and RNRL, because NTPC is not only a PSU but the process involved for price determination in the case of NTPC gas was by international competitive bidding."

"The central government will take an appropriate decision in the case of NTPC as and when a need arises. Such a decision based on public interest, if in favour of NTPC cannot be termed as discriminatory or arbitrary," the affidavit placed before a bench headed by K G Balakrishnan said.

Government also said that a decision in respect of NTPC will be taken when either its rights gets established in the pending suit with RIL in the Bombay High Court or if overriding public interest warrants any government intervention.

Earlier, the apex court had sought the response after Anil Ambani-led RNRL had consented to Government being made a party in the dispute.

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