Thrikoteswara Rice Traders, Narnepadu Village, v. The State Of Andhra Pradesh, Rep.By Its Principal Secretary

HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R. KANTHA RAO Writ Petition No.12072 of 2015 ORDER:

Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner and the Government Pleader for the Civil Supplies for the State of Andhra Pradesh.

2. This writ petition is filed seeking writ of Mandamus declaring the action of the 2nd respondent in not disposing of the proceedings initiated under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act on the seizure panchanama vide ECP No.315/2013 and not releasing the stock of 174.52 quintals of rice belonging to the petitioner, as illegal and arbitrary and for a consequential direction to the 2nd respondent to release the stock seized pending 6-A proceedings to the petitioner.

3. It is submitted by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner that 174.52 quintals of rice was seized on 11.11.2013 from the lorry while it was in transit and 6-A case was registered against the petitioner. So far, it seems that 6-A proceedings have not been disposed of by the 2nd respondent-Joint Collector. The grievance of the petitioner is that on account of inordinate delay in disposing of 6-A proceedings and in not releasing the stock, the stock is getting damaged and ultimately, it becomes unfit for human consumption.

4. Under these circumstances, the petitioner is directed to make a fresh application to the 2nd respondent-Joint Collector, before whom the 6-A proceedings are pending for release of the stock and on such application being made, the 2nd respondent is directed to dispose of the said application within a period of two (2) weeks thereafter and pass appropriate orders in respect of the release of the stocks. The 2nd respondent is further directed to dispose of 6-A proceedings pending against the petitioner within a period of eight (8) weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

5. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. Miscellaneous applications, if any, shall stand closed. No order as to costs. __________________ R. KANTHA RAO, J Date: 24.04.2015 Note: Furnish CC by 27.04.2015.

(BO) BSS HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE R. KANTHA RAO URGENT Writ Petition No.12072 of 2015

Date: 24.04.2015

BSS