(1.) These appeals directed against the decision of Gopalan Nambiyar, J. involve a common point of law which relates to the validity of the Kerala Paddy (Restriction on Milling) Order, 1967. The learned Judge upheld the validity of the Order overruling the several objections raised by the appellants.
(2.) The Kerala Paddy (Restriction on Milling) Order, 1967 has been issued by the Government of Kerala in exercise of the powers conferred by sub-s.(1) read with clauses (d), (i) and (j) of sub-s.(2) of S.3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (Central Act 10 of 1955). The said provisions read:
(3.) The Order GSR. 1111 dated 24th July, 1967, issued by the Central Government under S.5 of the Essential Commodity Act, 1955 and amended by the Central Government by GSR. 284 dated 9-2-1968 is reproduced below: