Arhtia Association v. State Of Punjab And Others

IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA

AT CHANDIGARH **** CWP-9970-2026 Date of Decision: 06.04.2026 ARHTIA ASSOCIATION

...Petitioner

Vs.

STATE OF PUNJAB AND ORS.

...Respondents

CORAM:- HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE JAGMOHAN BANSAL Present:- Mr. Saurav Rao, Advocate for Mr. Amandeep Singh Manaise, Advocate for the petitioner Mr. Aman Dhir, Deputy Advocate General, Punjab Mr. Dhruv Gupta, Advocate for the respondent-Mandi Board *** JAGMOHAN BANSAL, J. (ORAL) 1.

The petitioner-Arhtia Association through instant petition under Article 226/227 of the Constitution of India is seeking setting aside of shifting of Grain Market from existing site to a far undeveloped site in village Shehzada, Tehsil Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur. It is further seeking direction to respondent to decide its legal notice dated 10.03.2026.

2.

The petitioner is an association comprising 40 commission agents engaged in the business of trading of foodgrains in Grain Market, Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur under licence from respondent No.2-Punjab Mandi Board. Present grain market is located in approximately 34 acres. It is fully equipped with all essential infrastructure including shops, DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.06 17:25 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document

CWP-9970-2026 -2covered sheds, pucca flooring, storage facilities etc. Respondent No.2 vide letter dated 23.02.2026 sought report from District Mandi OfficerRespondent No.5 about proposed shifting of grain market from existing site to village Shehzada, Tehsil Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur. Similar attempt was made in 2019 which miserably failed and market was brought back to original location. The aforesaid communication is outcome of announcement made at Government level. No stakeholder has been consulted. The proposed site lacks amenities and is in a remote area. The Association served legal notice dated 10.03.2026 upon the respondents not to effect the proposal but the same has not been addressed till date.

3.

Learned counsel for the respondent-Mandi Board submits that no order to shift grain market from present location has been passed. The authorities before passing order would consider petitioner's representation.

4.

In the wake of statement of respondent-Mandi Board, the petition stands disposed of 5.

Pending application(s), if any, stands disposed of. (JAGMOHAN BANSAL) JUDGE April 06, 2026 Deepak DPA Whether Speaking/reasoned Yes/No Whether Reportable Yes/No DEEPAK BISSYAN 2026.04.06 17:25 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document