S MURALEEDHARAN PILLAI Vs. STATE OF KERALA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These petitions, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, raise the following common question:

(2.) Are excise authorities empowered to initiate action against persons who deal with or sell ayurvedic preparations like Asavas, Arishtas etc., on the ground that they have not obtained a licence in Form S.P. VII issued under Rule 11 of Spirituous preparations (Control) Rules

(3.) Relevant facts and documents that are available in writ petition No. 22093/2003 are being referred to in the judgment for the sake of convenience.