IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE S.SIRI JAGAN MONDAY, THE 31ST MAY 2010 / 10TH JYAISTHA 1932 WP(C).No. 16665 of 2010(G) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- A.M. SHIYAS, FATHIMA TRADING CO., PEZHAKKAPPILLY, MOOVATTUPUZHA, ERNAKULAM DISTRICT. BY ADV. SRI.M.V.BOSE SRI.VINOD MADHAVAN RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, KOLLAM. 2. THE DISTRICT SUPPLY OFFICER, KOLLAM. 3. THE TALUK SUPPLY OFFICER, KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM. 4. THE SUB INSPECTOR OF POLICE, KARUNAGAPPALLY. 5. K. SUKUMARAN, AWD VI, KARUNAGAPPALLY TALUK, KOLLAM DISTRICT. 6. THE MANAGER, SUPPLY CO., KARUNAGAPPALLY, KOLLAM DISTRICT. GOVT. PLEADER SRI. P.N. SANTHOSH. THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 31/05/2010, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: S. Siri Jagan, J. =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= W.P(C) No. 16665 of 2010 =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Dated this, the 31st day of May, 2010. J U D G M E N T Rice in the possession of the petitioner has been seized by the 4th respondent alleging violation of the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act. The petitioner seeks release of the same. The learned Government Pleader submits that the rice seized has already been ordered to be distributed through the public distribution system on 20-5-2010. In the above circumstances, it is only appropriate that the District Collector passes final orders in the matter expeditiously. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to the 1st respondent to pass final orders pursuant to the seizure as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, after affording an opportunity of being heard to the petitioner. It would be open to the petitioner to rely on any evidence or report in favour of the petitioner, which shall also be considered by the District Collector appropriately. Sd/- S. Siri Jagan, Judge. Tds/ [TRUE COPY] P.S TO JUDGE.