HABIBULLAH DAR Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD learned counsel for the petitioner.

(2.) LD . counsel for the petitioner prays for a writ of mandamus commanding the respondents to increase the quota of kerosine oil to District Kupwara and restraining the respondents from issuing any fresh licence or renewing any dead licence to any kerosine oil dealer of district Kupwara.

(3.) BOTH the prayers asked for are misconceived. Increase or decrease in the supply of kerosine oil to district Kupwara is a policy matter resting with the Government for proper distribution in a particular area and the same is being controlled or regulated under proper licence. The State is always trying to provide fair and equitable distribution of such articles/essential commodities of life to its citizens particularly in far flung areas like Kupwara. No interference is required by the court to issue any guidelines or any directions to the respondents to increase the supply of kerosine oil. While making supply of kerosene oil/other essentials fairly and equitably, the number of population and other circumstances like topography of roads, approach to fan flung areas during different seasons of the year and storing facilities available in the area, fair number of outlets for distribution of the essential commodities are being kept under consideration in various districts.