RAGHUNATH PRASAD SAHOO Vs. STATE OF ORISSA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN this writ petition, the petitioner challenges the order dated 10.01.2005 (Annexure -1) passed by the Sub -Collector, Panposh, opposite party No. 3, suspending its retail PDS licence.

(2.) THE case of the petitioner is that it is a Welfare Association being represented by its President. It was granted retail licence to deal in PDS rice, kerosene, wheat and sugar for Khutagaon, Bagdega and Chitapidi G.Ps. under Nuagaon Block. In the capacity of a retail licensee, the petitioner has been discharging its duty in distribution of the aforesaid PDS commodities sincerely. Opposite party No. 3, all on a sudden, suspended the licence of the petitioner by order under Annexure -1 for which the petitioner has felt aggrieved and approached this Court.

(3.) MS . Kasturi, learned Addl. Govt. Advocate, submits that the Sub -Collector (opposite party No. 3) who is the licensing authority, has the power to cancel or suspend the licence and tag the distribution with any other retailer.