PANSKURA AUTOMOBILES Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioners question the propriety of a show cause notice issued by the Indian Oil Corporation Limited threatening to terminate an agreement by which the petitioner firm operates a petrol pump on NH-6 at Mechogram in district Purba Medinipur. The principal prayer in the petition is to set aside the show cause notice. In course of time the petitioners have attempted to enlarge the scope of the proceedings, now that a final order has been made and the corporation has sought leave to implement the final order. In view of the fact that the impugned show cause notice had culminated in a decision being rendered by the corporation, the writ petitioners were given the liberty to withdraw the limited challenge to the show cause notice with leave to carry all points in the comprehensive challenge to the final decision of the corporation. The petitioners have insisted on pursuing this writ petition.

(2.) An interim order was made on May 17, 2007 that has been continued. The Court permitted the corporation to proceed with the show cause notice in accordance with law. The corporation was also given liberty to pass a final order but it was directed that no effect would be given to such final order without leave of Court.By an order of July 4, 2007 the corporation was given leave to issue a supplementary show cause notice. Affidavits, supplementary affidavits and even an application have been filed. Pursuant to an earlier direction the records relating to the matter have remained in Court.

(3.) The petitioners found their challenge to the show cause notice of May 4, 2007 on mala fides on the part of the corporation and its officials.