RANJANBEN NARESHKUMAR SHAH Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) By way of present petition, the petitioner has challenged the order dated 08.12.2003 passed by the respondent No.2- Deputy Director, Small Savings, Ahmedabad Division whereby the agency granted to the petitioner was suspended.

(2.) The facts of the case in brief are that the petitioner is an agent of Mahila Pradhan Kshetriya Bachat Yojana since 1984 under the small savings scheme of the Government of India. The petitioner has granted certificate of authority as an agent. On 20.10.2003, one Thakarshibhai Keshraji Dabhi filed one criminal complaint against the petitioner for the alleged offences punishable under Sections 406 and 420 of the Indian Penal Code. The petitioner has been granted anticipatory bail by the City Sessions Court. On the basis of the same set of allegations, the respondent No.2 without affording reasonable opportunity to the petitioner and in violation of principles of natural justice suspended the certificate of authority of the petitioner by an order dated 08.12.2003. Hence, this petition.

(3.) This Court initially issued notice on 16.12.2003. It will be important to note that this Court while issuing notice, incorporated the following observations in paragraph No.6: