M. SHARATCHANDRA SINGH Vs. STATE OF MANIPUR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS petition has been preferred by two petitioners. Facts leading to the filing of the present petition may be briefly recited.

(2.) THE Government of India, Ministry of Civil supply used to allot essential items like, Wheat, Rice, Sugar and edible oil and fixed quota to the Government of Manipur, and these items are to be collected from the F.C.I. depot at Gauhati/Dimapur and other places by the Agents/ Stockists and transporters selected by the Food and Civil Supply (FCS) Department, Government of Manipur. The consumer items thereafter are to be distributed under the supervision of FCS department through Fair price shop and other methods evolved by the State Government. For the purpose of transportation of the items and stocking and selling, tenders were floated by the Government by a Notification dated 29.9.1992 inviting application in sealed cover from reputed Firms/ Dealers having licence for wholesale dealership of Wheat/Wheat products under the Manipur Trade Article (Control and Licencing) orders, 1986, for transportation and handling of 3,000/ - quintals of PDS wheat per month from FCI depot at Dimapur/Gauhati and other places for selling of wheat and wheat products under the PDS.

(3.) BY an order dated 1.12.1992, the respondent Government appointed 13(thirteen) recommended Firms as Stockist -cum -transporters for the period from 1.12.1992 to 31.12.1993, by another order dated 22.12.1992, the Firm at serial No. 1 of the panel list was also appointed.