E. Raghava Rao, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh Rep.By Its Principal Secretary

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE A. RAMALINGESWARA RAO WRIT PETITION No.28185 of 2015 ORDER:

Heard learned Counsel for the petitioner and learned Government Pleader for the respondents.

The petitioner was appointed as Fair Price Shop Dealer for shop No.23, Chavatapalem Village, Nagauppalapadu Mandal, Prakasam District.

It appears that the Food Inspector/Inspecting Officer, Ongole inspected the shop and noticed some variation in the quantities. Based on the same, disciplinary proceedings were initiated and they are pending with the 2nd respondent. However, the 3rd respondent issued a show cause notice on 19.03.2015 followed by three notices on 31.03.2015, 06.04.2015 and 15.04.2015 respectively. The petitioner submitted his explanation dated 17.04.2015, which was received by the 3rd respondent on 27.04.2015. After receipt of explanation, the authorization of the petitioner was suspended by proceedings in May 2011. Challenging the same, the present writ petition is filed. A perusal of the impugned order shows that 2 charges are levelled against the petitioner and they relate to variation in the quantities of PDS rice and sugar and the other allegations relates to the Bengal gram, Jaggery.

The petitioner submitted his explanation and the 3rd respondent should have completed the enquiry by now. Since the enquiry is pending with the 3rd respondent, this Court is not inclined to interfere with the enquiry at this stage.

In the circumstances, the 3rd respondent is directed to complete the enquiry by giving due opportunity to the petitioner and pass final orders thereon within thirty (30) days from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

With the above direction, this Writ petition is disposed of. There shall be no order as to costs. As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions, if any pending in this writ petition, shall stand closed. _______________________________ A. RAMALINGESWARA RAO, J Date: 02.09.2015 gvl