IN THE HIGH COURT OF KERALA AT ERNAKULAM PRESENT : THE HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE V.GIRI MONDAY, THE 27TH JULY 2009 / 5TH SRAVANA 1931 WP(C).No. 20994 of 2009(T) -------------------------- PETITIONER(S): --------------- PRATHEESH.N., S/O.GANGADHARAN, AGED 36 YEARS, L.P.G. DISTRIBUTOR, FLAMES, INDANE STAR DISTRIBUTOR, 1/632-4, GAYATHRI COMPLEX KOLLANGODE, PALAKKAD 678 506. BY ADV. SRI.BINOY VASUDEVAN SMT.P.G.BABITHA RESPONDENT(S): --------------- 1. THE DISTRICT COLLECTOR, PALAKKAD. 2. THE TLAUK SUPPLY OFFICER, CHITTUR. 3. CIRCLE INSPECTOR OF POLICE, KOLLENGODE. BY GP SRI.P.NARAYANAN THIS WRIT PETITION (CIVIL) HAVING COME UP FOR ADMISSION ON 27/07/2009, THE COURT ON THE SAME DAY DELIVERED THE FOLLOWING: V.GIRI, J ------------------- W.P.(C).20994/2009 -------------------- Dated this the 27th day of July, 2009 JUDGMENT Petitioner is an LPG distributor. His vehicle was seized on 29.4.2009 and was released on the same date as well, on condition that it will be produced as and when directed by the authorities. Proceedings have been initiated against the petitioner by the District Collector under Section 6B of the Essential Commodities Act. Vehicle was subsequently surrendered at the instance of the District Collector. Petitioner has filed Ext.P7 statement of objections, but is aggrieved that final orders have not been passed by the District Collector so far. It is also pointed out that even if the allegations in Ext.P6 are taken in its entirety, same will not constitute a contravention of the provisions of the LPG (Regulation of Supply and Distribution Order) 2000, and therefore, there will be no contravention of the provisions of Essential Commodities Act also. 2. Since the objection taken by the petitioner is with regard to the maintainability of the proceedings, District W.P.(C).20994/09 2 Collector shall pass final orders pursuant to Ext.P6 within six weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment, after hearing the petitioner who shall appear on the date when the District Collector asks him to appear. It is made clear that if there is any delay in orders being passed as directed above, then petitioner's vehicle bearing registration No.KL-9-Q 7309 shall be released to the petitioner, subject to the undertaking that it shall thereafter be produced as and when required by the District Collector. Writ petition is disposed of as above. V.GIRI, Judge mrcs