Jyoti Rajendra Bhandari v. The State Of Maharashtra Thr Its Secretary And ORS

2026:BHC-AUG:18420 P-wp-4117-2026 (2).odt (1) (This order is corrected as per speaking to minutes of order dated 27.04.2026)

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY

BENCH AT AURANGABAD WRIT PETITION NO.4117 OF 2026 Jyoti Rajendra Bhandari

VERSUS

The State Of Maharashtra And Another ...

Advocate for Petitioner : Mr. Y.V. Kakde APP for Respondent/State : Mr. S.D. Ghayal ...

CORAM : S. G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J.

DATED : APRIL 18, 2026 PER COURT :- 1.

Heard Mr. Kakde, learned advocate appearing for petitioner.

2.

Present petition takes exception to notice dated 11.04.2026 bearing Outward No.58/2026 issued by Administrator of Agriculture Produce Market Committee Hingoli, Taluka and District Hingoli.

3.

Mr. Kakde, learned advocate appearing for petitioner submits that petitioner has challenged appointment of Secretary of APMC in appeal before Director of Marketing. However, with intention to pressurize petitioner, show cause notices are issued to her doubting educational qualification and action under Section 102 of Maharashtra Agriculture Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 is proposed. He points out that petitioner has already replied show cause notice and placed on record documents

P-wp-4117-2026 (2).odt (2) regarding her qualification. He points out that petitioner is a degree holder from Yashwantrao Chavan Maharashtra Open University, Nashik and such a degree can be achieved even without passing SCC examination. According to him, proposed action is tainted with malafides and there is strong apprehension that adverse order would be passed against petitioner on false reason. 4.

Prima facie, after considering material tendered into service, apprehension of petitioner that malafide action would be taken against her or she is likely to be subjected to unwarranted action cannot be ruled out. In this background, instead of delving into merits of other contentions, purpose would be served if petitioner is granted limited protection, in case adverse order is passed against her.

5.

Writ Petition stands disposed of with direction that in case respondent no.4 passes any adverse order against petitioner under Section 102 of Maharashtra Agriculture Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 against petitioner, such order shall be kept in abeyance for a period of two weeks or till filing of appeal by petitioner before competent authority. (S.G. CHAPALGAONKAR, J.) Mujaheed//