(1.) Heard Mr. U.K. Uniyal, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Mr. Sandeep Kothari, learned Counsel for the petitioners and Mr. S.S. Chauhan, learned Deputy Advocate General for the State of Uttarakhand. With their consent, the writ petitions are disposed of.
(2.) The relief sought for in the writ petitions is for a writ of certiorari to quash the order dated 22.11.2018 passed by the District Magistrate, Almora and the consequential action taken by the District Excise Officer, Almora, directing the shifting of the wine shops of the petitioners.
(3.) Facts, to the limited extent necessary, are that the State of Uttarakhand promulgated its Excise Policy, for the Excise Year 2018-19, on 18.3.2018; and on auctions being conducted, for grant of license to sell English liquor and country made liquor, the petitioners participated and quoted the highest bids for a total revenue of Rs.3,45,45,112/- and Rs.9,02,46,452/- respectively to be paid from 1.5.2018 to 31.3.2019. Pursuant thereto, allotment letters were issued to the licensees on 26.4.2018, and the petitioners started operating their shops from 1.5.2018.