The issue figured in the State Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, when some Ministers reportedly took strong exception to Singh having ``leaked out'' to the vernacular press Union Food Minister S S Barnala's order for release of four persons booked under Prevention of Blackmarketing Act for alleged involvement in the supply of ``adulterated'' groundnut oil for the mid-day meal scheme last year.

A Minister reportedly complained that it was improper on Singh's part to approach the Press directly and brief it on such a ``sensitive issue'', for such an attitude would only tarnish the government image in public. However, Singh rejoined that he had never talked to the Press about Barnala's action.

Patel was also learnt to have expressed resentment against some Ministers frequently ``leaking out'' to the Press certain vital information relating to their departments. He said ``If a Minister has any grievances, he should first approach me''.

Patel only said: ``We will seek information (from the Centre) to know what had prompted Barnala to ordere release of the four persons".