THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOUSHAD ALI Writ Petition No.16404 of 2011 ORDER : Aggrieved by the proceedings of the 1st Respondent in Roc.No.CS.I/75/ECA/2011, dated -06-2011 directing the disposal of the stock of rice seized, the petitioner has filed this Writ Petition. The petitioner claims to be a dealer in food grains conducting business in the name and style of ‘Sri Lakshmi Venkateswara Rice Traders’, Guntur. It is stated that he sold 102 quintals of rice to M/s.Srinivasa Rice Traders, Razole. When the stock was being transported in the lorry bearing No.AP-27-U-1125, the 2nd Respondent-Special Deputy Tahsildar, Bhimadol seized the same and submitted a report dated 20-05-2011 to the said effect to the 1st Respondent herein. Basing on the said report, proceedings under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act have been initiated and by means of the impugned order, the 1st Respondent has directed that the stock be disposed pending disposal of the proceedings under the Essential Commodities Act. This Writ Petition is filed challenging the said order contending that the petitioner has not committed any offence and the rice was being transported pursuant to a lawful sale. In any event, the petitioner states that he is prepared to face the enquiry and before the conclusion of the enquiry if the stock is sold, he will suffer grave and irreparable loss. It is therefore stated that the 1st Respondent be directed to finalize the proceeding within a time frame without disposing of the seized stock. I am not inclined to go into the merits of the case. Indisputably, the stock was seized while in transit and pursuant to the report submitted in that regard, proceedings have been initiated under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act. The petitioner may participate in the proceedings and defend his case. However, matters of this nature may have to be disposed of as expeditiously as possible. In the circumstances, I deem it appropriate to direct the 1st Respondent to complete the enquiry pursuant to the report of the Deputy Tahsildar, Bhimadole in Roc.No.265/2011, dated 20-05-2011 and pass appropriate orders as early as possible, preferably within a period of six weeks from the date of the receipt of a copy of the order. Till the enquiry is completed, the stock seized shall not be sold. The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of. No costs. ________________ NOUSHAD ALI, J. 16th June, 2011. Note : Issue C.C. by 17-06-2011. B/O skmr THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE NOUSHAD ALI Writ Petition No.16404 of 2011 Date :16-06-2011 Between : Sadhu Naga Venkata Sivaprasad .. Petitioner and The Joint Collector, West Godavari, At Eluru & another .. Respondents