THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE NOUSHAD ALI Writ Petition No.31434 of 2011 BETWEEN: K. Chandrasekhar …. PETITIONER And 1. The Joint Collector Krishna at Machilipatnam, and another. …. RESPONDENTS ORDER: In view of the short relief sought for at the hearing to direct the Joint Collector, Krishna District, the 1st respondent herein to conclude the enquiry pursuant to the show cause notice dated 13.09.2011 within a time frame, this writ petition is being disposed of with the consent of both Sri Kowturu Vinaya Kumar, learned counsel for the petitioner and the learned Government Pleader for Civil Supplies. The petitioner claims to be the proprietor of M/s. Chandra Rice Traders dealing in rice business under a licence duly obtained under A.P. Scheduled Commodities (Licensing, Storage and Regulation) Order, 2008. The Assistant Supply Officer, Circle-1, Vijayawada, the 2nd respondent herein inspected the petitioner’s shop on 20.07.2011 and seized 129 qtls., of rice, as he found variation between the ground balance and the stock register. A report to the said effect was filed before the Joint Collector, Krishna, the 1st respondent herein for appropriate action under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The 1st respondent has taken cognizance of the same and has initiated proceedings. In the meanwhile, the 1st respondent passed the impugned order E.C.P.No.196/2011, dated 13.09.2011 directing to dispose of the seized stock to public distribution system and remit the sale proceeds under revenue deposits. Aggrieved by the said order, the petitioner has filed this writ petition. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that the allegations are incorrect and that the petitioner holds a valid licence to store essential commodities. It is submitted that the petitioner is prepared to participate in the enquiry and defend his case, but in the meanwhile if the seized stock is sold before the conclusion of enquiry, the petitioner will suffer grave and irreparable loss. It is therefore submitted that the 1st respondent be directed to conclude the enquiry and pass appropriate orders within a time frame with a direction not to sell the seized stock. The Learned Government Pleader has no objection to issue such directions. Indisputably, the 1st respondent has initiated proceedings for confiscation of the seized stock and the enquiry in that regard is pending. In matters of this nature, the statutory authorities are expected to conduct enquiry and finalize the proceedings within reasonable time so as to avoid prejudice to the parties. In view of the aforesaid circumstances and having regard to the short relief sought for, I deem it appropriate to dispose of this writ petition directing the Joint Collector, Krishna, the 1st respondent herein, to conclude the enquiry and pass appropriate orders pursuant to the report of the Assistant Supply Officer, Circle-1, Vijayawada, the 2nd respondent herein, as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of eight weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. Till the orders are passed, the seized stock, if not already sold, shall not be sold or otherwise disposed of. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. _________________ NOUSHAD ALI, J 29th November, 2011. Note: Issue C.C. tomorrow. (B/o) Js.