NIRANJANABEN VIRENDRABHAI SHAH Vs. STATE OF GUJARAT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) BY way of this petition, the petitioner has prayed to quash and set aside the orders dated 24. 09. 1999, 23. 12. 1999 and 26. 09. 2000 passed by the respondent-authorities directing recovery of an amount of Rs. 5,31,594. 61 from the petitioner.

(2.) THE facts in brief are that the petitioner has been issued with a licence, under the provisions of the Gujarat Essential Articles (Licencing Control and Stock Declaration) Order, 1981 to do business of essential commodities on retail basis.

(3.) HEARD learned counsel for the respective parties and perused the documents on record. On inspection by the respondent no. 3-authority, it was found that several bogus cards were issued and that essential commodities were also distributed on such bogus cards. Moreover, it was also found that in the proceedings before the respondent-authorities, the principles of natural justice were duly observed and the petitioner was given all opportunity to present its case. Thus, looking to the irregularities and illegalities committed by the petitioner, I am of the view that the respondent-authorities were completely justified in passing the impugned orders. I am in complete agreement with the reasonings given by and the findings arrived at by the authorities below and hence, find no reasons to interfere in this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India.