New Delhi: Attorney General (AG) Soli Sorabjee on January 16 asked Disinvestment Minister Arun Shourie for detailed clarifications on certain issues relating to oil PSUs (Public Sector Undertakings) HPCL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) and BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited) for forming an opinion on their privatisation, which in all probability he is likely to submit by January 20.

During an hour-long meeting with Shourie, the AG asked for detailed clarification in writing on certain aspects of the issues sent to him for opinion, sources said.

Sorabjee, who came back from Malaysia this morning, expects the clarification from the Disinvestment Minister by January 17, sources said.

Government had sought the opinion from Sorabjee on privatisation of HPCL and BPCL, which were acquired and nationalised by Acts of Parliament.

Shourie had met Sorabjee earlier this month also and subsequently Disinvestment Secretary Pradeep Baijal had met the AG last week to furnish some details relating to the two companies.

Sources said Sorabjee had sought from Disinvestment Ministry some papers including memorandum of association of HPCL and BPCL, which the government had acquired in 1970s.

Following the queries from Opposition members on the legality of privatisation of the two oil PSUs without the government seeking amendment or repeal of the concerned Acts, Shourie had promised to get the AG's opinion before going ahead with equity sale in HPCL to a strategic partner and public offer of shares in BPCL.

PTI