In Re Torch Energy Marketing, Inc.

OPINION

ANGELINI, Justice.

Relator, Torch Energy Marketing, Inc., seeks a writ of mandamus ordering respondent, Judge Fernando Mancias, to vacate his orders in the underlying case and to disqualify himself from any further proceedings in the case. Because Judge Mancias’s disqualification is mandatory under the Texas Government Code, we conditionally grant the writ.

The underlying suit arises from a dispute over an oil and gas lease. Torch Energy Marketing, Inc. (Torch) is one of sixty-three defendants. The suit is pending in the 79th Judicial District Court of Brooks County, before Judge Terry…