K. Satyanarayana Reddy S/O. Narasimha Reddy, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh, Rep. By Its Principal Secretary

HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE A.RAMALINGESWARA RAO W.P.No.16256 of 2017

ORDER

Heard learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for Civil Supplies appearing for respondents 1 to 5.

The petitioner was appointed as fair price shop dealer of Errabadu Village, Gonegandla Mandal, Kurnool District, on permanent basis, vide order dated 16.01.1991. The Circle Inspector of Police, Kodumur Police Station, seized 35 liters of PDS (Blue) Kerosene from one Boya Bhagavanthu and based on his statement, Cr.No.83 of 2002 was registered against the petitioner on 02.12.2001. In that connection, he was arrested and released on bail on the next day. In pursuance thereof, the authorization of the petitioner was suspended by the 4th respondent vide order dated 18.7.2002 and alternative arrangements were made for distribution of essential commodities to the card holders of the said village. Later on, the petitioner came to know that the said case was wrongly foisted against him and as there was no truth, it was dropped. In those

circumstances, he preferred an appeal before the 3rd respondent in August, 2002 and the same is pending.

In view of long lapse of time, the 3rd respondent is directed to dispose of the appeal filed by the petitioner against the order of suspension.

Though 6-A proceedings and criminal proceedings are pending, they have nothing to do with the exercise of power by the 4th respondent. Hence, the 4th respondent is directed to pass final orders in the proceedings initiated against the petitioner, after giving due opportunity, within a period of three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Accordingly, the Writ Petition is disposed of. No costs. Miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending shall stand closed. ___________________________________ JUSTICE A.RAMALINGESWARA RAO 7th August, 2017 rkk