“We wrote to the law ministry last week seeking strengthening of the legal team with appointment of more lawyers,” a senior oil ministry official said. ASG Mohan Parasaran currently represents the government in the dispute over the quantities and price committed by Mukesh Ambani-led Reliance Industries in a 2005 family agreement for supply of natural gas to a company run by younger brother Anil Ambani.

The official said one more ASG, besides 3-4 junior lawyers, have been sought to “substantially increase” the strength the legal team. Industry sources said it was being debated if SG Gopal Subraminum may also included in the team. The official said the draft of the replies was ready and was being discussed with the law ministry. “It will be filed in next few days.”