R VIJAYAKUMAR Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) First among these original petitions. O.P.No 9285/2000 has been filed by the petitioners in the other original petitions jointly. In the light of the interim order passed, this original petition has almost become infructuous. Therefore, the other original petitions are considered.

(2.) All the petitioners are having FL 3 licences for the year 2001-2002 and those are to expire on 31/3/2002. These licences were granted as per the interim directions issued in OP No 9285/2000, the first among this batch. They have to get the licences renewed.

(3.) Petitioners in O.P.No 7355/2002 are partners of a firm called M/s Hotel Maharani, Piravom which is having an FL 3 licence, Ext P1. Apart from the petitioner, there are three other partners. They have remitted the entire dues in respect of that licence granted to them for the year 2001-2002. None of them has got any arrears in respect of that licence. But, the second petitioner who did have a partnership business for the conduct of arrack shops during 1993-94, has defaulted payment of abkari arrears. This is an admitted position. Because of that default on the part of the second petitioner in remitting such abkari arrears, Ext. P3 amendment to the rule is pressed into service and consequently, the petitioners cannot get Ext. P1 licence renewed. Therefore, Ext P3 amendment is challenged.