Section 31. Technical Member (Petroleum and Natural Gas).

(1) The Technical Member (Petroleum and Natural Gas) shall be appointed from the panel prepared by the Search Committee constituted under subsection (2) of section 4. (2) A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Technical Member (Petroleum and Natural Gas) of the Appellate Tribunal unless he-- (i) is, or has been, a Secretary for at least one year in the Ministry or Department of the Central Government having adequate experience in energy sector, especially in matters relating to Petroleum and Natural Gas sector; or (ii) is, or has been, a person of ability and standing, having adequate knowledge or experience in dealing with matters relating to exploration, production, transmission pipelines, marketing or regulation of petroleum, petroleum products or natural gas, economics, commerce, law or management.