IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.8498 of 2009 RAM SWAROOP PASWAN . Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ANR . ----------- 3/ 27/01/2011 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned counsel for the State. The P.D.S. licence of the petitioner was suspended in view of the initiation of a criminal case under Section-7 of the Essential Commodities Act and the I.P.C. against him. It is submitted that the trial is over and the petitioner has been acquitted by judgement and order dated 12.5.2010 of the Sub-divisional Judicial Magistrate, Sherghati at Gaya in Trial No.2257/10. Pendency of a criminal prosecution under Section-7 of the E.C.Act is a valid ground for continued suspension of the licence. But if the trial is over and the petitioner has been acquitted, that shall no more survive for justification for suspension of the licence. If that was the only ground for suspension, it clearly lapses the moment acquittal follows. If the licence of the petitioner otherwise has not been cancelled and there is no other legal impediment in accordance with law, the respondents are directed to act in accordance with law by resuming - 2 - supplies to the petitioner, on his reinstated licence. Let the appropriate order be passed within a maximum period of one month from the date of receipt/presentation of a copy of this order before respondent No.2. The writ application is disposed. KC ( Navin Sinha, J.)