SATADAL KANTI PAHARI Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two applications involving identical questions of law and fact were taken up for hearing together and are being disposed of by this common judgment.

(2.) In C.O. 17754(W) of 1996, seven petitioners who were existing stamp vendors in the District of Midnapore have filed the writ application, inter alia, praying for issuance of a writ of mandamus directing the respondents concerned to forbear from giving any effect or further effect to the impugned issuance of stamp vending licences in favour of respondent Nos. 6 to 18 and further directing them not to sell any stamp in any manner. In C.O. No. 17755(W) of 1996, the petitioners have made an identical prayer as regard cancellation of licence granted in favour of respondent No. 6 therein.

(3.) Before adverting to the questions involved in these applications, it is necessary to state the premise upon which these applications have been filed.