ANANTA KUMAR SETHI Vs. COLLECTOR, BALASORE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD Mr. Rath, learned counsel for the petitioner and Mr. B. Dash, learned counsel for the State. The petitioner has called in question the order dated 3.3.2008 passed by the Sub -Collector, Balasore suspending his licence granted under the Orissa P.D.S. (Control) Order, 2002 (for short, 'the Control Order).

(2.) MR . Rath, learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner was a licensee under the aforesaid Control Order and on the self -same ground of non -supply of P.D.S. rice to one of the beneficiaries, a show cause notice was previously issued to him and on consideration of the said show cause notice, the petitioners security was forfeited. But, however, he was reinstated as a licensee under the aforesaid Control Order.

(3.) A bare reading of the aforesaid clause clearly shows that any Dealer/Retailer/Licensee if contravenes any of the terms and conditions of the licence, his licence is liable to be suspended or cancelled by a written order of the Licensing Authority without prejudice to any other action that may be taken against him. However, such steps can be taken only by giving a reasonable opportunity to file a show cause to the Retailer/Dealer/Licensee before passing of such order.