Cherukuri Srinivasa Rao, v. State Of Andhra Pradesh, Rep. By Its Principal Secretary,

HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE A.RAMALINGESWARA RAO W.P.No.18751 of 2017

ORDER

The petitioner states that he is the authorized dealer for fair price shop No. 6, Kellampalli Village, Marripudi Mandal, Prakasam District. While so, the 5th respondent inspected the said shop and noticed some variations in the stock. Proceedings under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, were initiated against the petitioner and they are pending. However, with regard to the irregularities, the authorization of the petitioner was kept under suspension vide proceedings dated 17.4.2017 and when no further steps were taken, the present writ petition is filed.

Learned Government Pleader, based on instructions, submits that the enquiry is not yet completed. Learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that in view of filing of previous writ petitions, the present action is taken mala fide against the petitioner by the 3rd respondent. Since enquiry is pending before the 3rd respondent, this Court is not inclined to go into the merits of the case, but directs

the 3rd respondent to complete the enquiry as expeditiously as possible, but not later than three months from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Since it is submitted by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner that the petitioner did not receive the show cause notice, it is open to the petitioner to receive the same and submit explanation on the charges levelled against him, within 15 days 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 10th August, 2017 rkk Note: Issue CC by one week.