LICENSEE LAKSHMI THEATRE Vs. STATE OF TAMIL NADU

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ appeal is directed against the order of the learned single Judge in and by which the learned Judge after finding that there is no valid ground to interfere with the impugned order, dismissed the writ petition.

(2.) ACCORDING to the appellant/petitioner on 25. 10. 1998, the Tahsildar, Ettayapuram inspected the theatre of the appellant by name 'lakshmi Theatre' and framed three charges against him. The same was informed to the District Collector, Tuticorin, based on which a show cause notice was issued on 17. 11. 1998. The charges are as follows:

(3.) IT is the grievance of the appellant that without providing adequate opportunity of personal hearing, the licensing authority summarily suspended Form 'c' licence of the appellant by his proceedings dated 22. 12. 1998 for a period of 15 days. Aggrieved by the same, the appellant/petitioner preferred an appeal before the Joint Commissioner and the Appellate Authority, Chennai 5 - second respondent herein. The Appellate Authority confirmed the order passed by the licensing authority. Against the order of the Appellate Authority, the appellant preferred a revision before the first respondent. While confirming the order of the original and appellate authority, the revisional authority modified the period of suspension of Form 'c' licence from fifteen days to three days. Not satisfied with the said order, the appellant/petitioner preferred a writ petition before this Court. The learned single Judge after considering the charges levelled against the appellant/petitioner, orders passed by the three authorities and taking note of the fact that the appellant/petitioner had been previously punished on various occasions for the violation of the Tamil Nadu Cinemas Regulation Rules, refused to interfere with the impugned order and dismissed the writ petition, hence the present writ appeal.