Keshav Laxman Gutte v. The State Of Maharashtra Through Its Secretary And ORS

2026:BHC-AUG:14478 1 941 WP 3413-2026.odt

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD 941 WRIT PETITION NO. 3413 OF 2026 KESHAV LAXMAN GUTTE

VERSUS

THE STATE OF MAHARASHTRA THROUGH ITS SECRETARY AND OTHERS ...

Mr. Mohanish V. Thorat - Advocate for Petitioner Ms. R.R. Tandale - AGP Respondent Nos.1 and 2, State ...

CORAM

: S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J.

DATE :

01.04.2026 PER COURT :

1.

The present petition takes exception to the order dated 06.03.2026 passed by the Hon'ble Minister, Foods and Drugs Administration, Mantralaya, Mumbai, whereby, while admitting the appeal filed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 read with Rules of 1945, the Hon'ble Minister has granted stay to the order dated 23.12.2025 passed by the Assistant Commissioner.

2.

Learned Counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that on the complaint made by petitioner, the proceedings were initiated before the Assistant Commissioner, who by order dated 23.12.2025 suspended liquor licence for a period of fifteen (15) days. It is submitted that the said order has been stayed by Hon'ble Minister without granting an

2 941 WP 3413-2026.odt opportunity of hearing to the petitioner. It is further contended that no reasons have been recorded while passing the impugned order. 3.

In light of submissions advanced, the present petition can be disposed of by granting liberty to the petitioner to file an application before Hon'ble Minister for vacating the interim relief granted by him. 4.

If such application is filed, the Hon'ble Minister is requested to consider the same on its own merits and decide it within a period of six

(6) weeks from the date of filing such application, after giving an opportunity of hearing to all concerned parties. 5.

The Writ Petition stands disposed of in the above terms. 6.

Pending Civil Applications, if any, also stand disposed of. [ S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR ] JUDGE Pooja Kale/