P.Venkata Rao, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh, Rep. By Its Secretary,

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE A.RAMALINGESWARA RAO WRIT PETITION NO.16676 OF 2015 ORDER:

Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for Civil Supplies for the respondents. The petitioner was appointed as a Fair Price Shop Dealer of Shop No.3 of Kandukur Town and Mandal, Prakasam District, in the year 1977. While so, on 14.02.2015, the Village Revenue Officer, Kandukur and other officials inspected the petitioner's shop and on 05.03.2015, they submitted a report through the Tahsildar. The second respondent issued a show cause notice on 18.04.2015 to which the petitioner asked for information for submitting a written explanation. The information was supplied by the second respondent by order dated 16.05.2015 and the dealership of the petitioner was suspended while supplying the said information.

In view of the nature of allegation and in view of the supply of information at the request of the petitioner, this Court feels that the suspension of dealership pending enquiry is unwarranted. Accordingly, the second respondent is directed to continue the dealership of the petitioner till the conclusion of the enquiry. However, the second respondent shall conduct an enquiry based on the explanation to be submitted by the petitioner and complete the same by observing the principles of natural justice within a period of ninety (90) days from the date of filing of explanation by the petitioner. The petitioner shall submit his explanation within fifteen (15) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. The Writ Petition is, accordingly, disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. Miscellaneous petitions, if any, pending shall stand closed. ________________________ (A.RAMALINGESWARA RAO, J)

12th June 2015 RRB