MAQBOOL AHMAD Vs. D.M., BALRAMPUR AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN both the writ petitions common question of law and fact are involved. They are, therefore, heard together and are being disposed of finally by means of this common order. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and also perused the record of the case.

(2.) BY means of these writ petitions the petitioners pray for issuance of writ in the nature of certiorari quashing the orders, dated 15 -12 -1997 whereby the licences of fire aims of the petitioners were suspended by the Licensing Authority. The petitioners filed appeals under Section 18 of the Arms Act against the order of suspension of their licences. On 4 -2 -1998 respondent No. 2 refused to extend the interim order granted in favour of the petitioners, consequently petitioners had to approach this Court.

(3.) NORMALLY interim order once granted in the proceedings under Section 18 of the Arms Act remains in operation till the appeals are decided but in case interim orders are vacated, the appellate authorities are required to state the reasons, but in the present case no reasons have been recorded by respondent No. 2 and the impugned order has not been extended arbitrarily. Since the appeals are pending disposal before respondent No. 2 against the order dated 15 -12 -1997, in my opinion, it will meet the ends of the justice if I direct respondent No. 2 to decide the appeals expeditiously preferably within one month from the date a certified copy of this order is produced before him. It is ordered accordingly. It is further directed that till the disposal of the appeals interim orders granted in favour of the petitioners on 17 -12 -1997 shall remain in operation.