PRAKASHAN N.V. Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners claim to be traditional goldsmiths, engaged in the manufacture, repair, alteration and sale of gold ornaments.

(2.) By Exhibit P1 order dated 15.1.2020, the Central Government has made the hallmarking of precious metal articles of gold and its sale through certified outlets, compulsory. The relevant portion of Ext P1 order reads as under;

(3.) The time fixed for compulsory hallmarking of gold ornaments was extended up to 1.6.2021 vide Ext P2 and thereafter, till 15.6 2021. The writ petition is filed seeking a direction to the Central Government to further extend the time for implementation of Exhibit P1 order. The request for extension is made on the ground of absence of sufficient facilities for hallmarking in the State. The present pandemic situation and the resultant lock down are also highlighted as reasons for seeking extension.