IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT PATNA CWJC No.337 of 2009 UDAV KUMAR SINGH . Versus THE STATE OF BIHAR & ORS . ----------- 3/ 10/01/2011 Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and learned counsel for the State. It is not in controversy that the fair price licence of the petitioner ran its course and after expiry renewal was not applied for over six long years. The impugned order notices that extendable period of time for applying was eight months. The submission that failure to apply for renewal of a licence cannot be a ground for cancellation of the licence is best answered on the ground that the cancellation of a licence which has expired and renewal of which not available is akin to killing a dead person. If there was no licence in existence after expiry, the question of annulling such a licence is superfluous and does not arise. For the same reason, to urge non-compliance with the principles of natural justice before cancelling a licence which has no more existing in law simply does not arise. There is no merit in this application. It is accordingly dismissed. Needless to state that if the petitioner applies - 2 - afresh in accordance with law for grant of a P.D.S. Licence, the same is required to be considered on its own merits without being prejudiced by the order dated 21.11.2008 of the District Magistrate, Bhojpur at Arrah. The writ application stands dismissed. KC ( Navin Sinha, J.)