ISLAMUDDIN KHAN Vs. STATE OF HARYANA AND OTHERS

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner seeks a writ of certiorari to quash an order dated 22.03.2018 and a public notice dated 23.03.2018 for the re-allotment of retail liquor vends in certain zones of Faridabad, Haryana. The petitioner has in effect challenged the respondents' decision to abandon the tender process and to invite fresh tenders and seeks an order directing the respondents to enter into a contract with him pursuant to the tender process.

(2.) We have decided to dismiss the petition having found that the decision was based on valid grounds. For instance, it appeared that a cartel had operated with the object of adversely affecting the price. It was also felt that the bids submitted did not reflect the price realizable.

(3.) The 1st respondent issued the Excise Policy for the financial year 2018-2019 under the provisions of the Punjab Excise Act, 1914, as applicable to the State of Haryana, for the purpose of regulating the liquor trade. The policy, inter alia, provides for the issuance of various types of liquor licenses and states that a detailed procedure regarding the invitation of e-bids would be finalized by the Excise and Taxation Commissioner(Financial Commissioner) to be displayed on the department's website.