VINOD SINGH Vs. COMMISSIONER CHITRAKOOT

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS writ petition basically commenced with assailing the orders dated 26.7.2008 passed by Deputy Collector, Chitrakoot, cancelling fair price shop agreement of the petitioner and appellate order dated 30.7.2009, passed by Deputy Commissioner (Food), Chitrakoot Dham Mandal Banda dismissing petitioner's appeal. It was a simple case, raising a question, whether action taken by respondents was valid and just, in the facts and circumstances of the case, but has turned into a serious matter involving much larger issues having wider ramifications upon the poor people at large residing in the State, and, in particular, in the seven districts forming a part, better known as "Bundelkhand area" of State of U.P.

(2.) THE petitioner Vinod Singh, son of Lakhan Singh, was appointed/engaged, in 1991, as an agent for distribution of essential commodities, under Public Distribution System (hereinafter referred to as "PDS"), to the beneficiaries of scheme in Village Akbarpur, Block and District Chitrakoot.

(3.) THE petitioner filed appeal vide memo of appeal dated 25.8.2008. He explained about the new charge noticed for the first time in cancellation order, that the dealer with whom petitioner's shop was attached, declined to purchase kerosene oil. This fact was intimated to the authority concerned hence no responsibility can be fastened with the petitioner for non distribution of kerosene oil lifted in the month of February, 2008. He also said that subsequently kerosene oil was distributed to card holders in presence of witnesses.