MOHAN MEAKIN LTD Vs. STATE OF H. P.

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Challenging the Excise Policy Announcements which stipulated the levy of additional fee and penalty, whenever the quantity of liquor manufactured and/or sold, fell short of the minimum guaranteed quota fixed every year for the licensees, three groups of persons, namely manufacturers/ distillers/bottlers, wholesalers and retailers have come up with this batch of writ petitions.

(2.) We have heard Mr. K.D. Sood, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the manufactures/distillers/bottlers, Mr. Sanjeev Bhushan, learned Senior Counsel appearing for the wholesalers, Mr. Satish Kumar, learned Counsel for the retailers and Mr. Ajay Vaidya, learned Senior Additional Advocate General appearing from the respondents-State.

(3.) It was agreed across the Bar that CWP No. 5232 of 2014 filed by M/s Mohan Meakin Ltd. may be taken as the lead case in so far as the manufacturers/distillers/bottlers are concerned and CWPs Nos. 8047 of 2014 and 2302 of 2015 filed respectively by Aradhana Wines and Paradise Wines may be treated as lead cases in so far as wholesalers are concerned and CWP Nos. 2069 and 2745 of 2015 filed respectively by Abhay Prashar and Amit Wine may be treated as the lead cases in so far as retail vends are concerned.