SUNIL KRISHNAN N.K. Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This writ petition is filed challenging Ext.P4 communication as well as Exts.P8 and P9 revenue recovery proceedings initiated pursuant thereto.

(2.) Heard the learned Senior Counsel appearing for the petitioner and the learned Central Government Counsel appearing for respondents 1 to 3 as well as the learned Government Pleader appearing for respondents 4 to 6.

(3.) The petitioner, a publisher of a registered newspaper, was entitled to send copies of the newspaper at a reduced rate in terms of Section 9 of the Indian Post Office Act. Exts.P1 and P2 are the renewal memos issued for the registration under Section 9. It is stated that by Ext.P3 Order dated 13.02.2007, the registration of the newspaper was unilaterally cancelled with immediate effect. Though the learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the Order was issued without putting the petitioner on notice or considering any objections, it is stated that the Order had only prospective operation and was, therefore, not challenged. The petitioner submitted a fresh application for registration. However, the same was not considered. It is stated that, thereafter, the petitioner received Ext.P4 communication dated 27.04.2011. The relevant portion of Ext.P4 read as follows: