R PRABHAKARAN Vs. EXCISE COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WRIT petition was filed for direction to renew FL-3 licence issued to the petitioner. Renewal was withheld on account of sale of bar hotel building by the petitioner. However, based on petitioner's submission that very same building is taken on lease by the petitioner, this court directed renewal of licence pending further orders in writ petition. Since the lessee is also entitled to carry on business in liquor with an FL-3 licence, petitioner is entitled to continue the business as long as lease held is in force and petitioner is really carrying on business. However, it is a matter to be found out by enquiry by respondents 1 and 2 as to whether petitioner is really carrying on business after sale of the hotel building or whether he is a binami for the purchaser of the hotel. The writ petition is closed leaving freedom to respondents 1 and 2 to cancel the licence if at any point of time they find that petitioner is not really carrying on business and any other person is carrying on business with his licence. Interim order will form part of the judgment but subject to above observations and directions.