Case Note & Summary
The petitioners, fourteen agricultural produce societies, filed a writ petition challenging the cancellation of their licences under the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963. The licences were cancelled by the respondent authorities on the ground that the societies failed to establish a market yard within the stipulated period. The petitioners contended that they were not given a proper opportunity of hearing and that the cancellation was arbitrary. The court examined the records and found that show-cause notices were issued to each petitioner, to which they submitted replies. However, despite being given an opportunity, the petitioners did not avail the personal hearing. The court held that the principles of natural justice were fully complied with and that the cancellation was justified. The writ petition was dismissed with no order as to costs.
Headnote
A) Agricultural Law - Licence Cancellation - Show-Cause Notice - Opportunity of Hearing - Petitioners were issued show-cause notices for failure to establish market yard within stipulated period - Petitioners submitted replies but did not avail personal hearing - Held that principles of natural justice were complied with and cancellation was justified (Paras 1-5).
Issue of Consideration
Whether the cancellation of licences of the petitioner societies under the Maharashtra Agricultural Produce Marketing (Development and Regulation) Act, 1963 was valid and whether the petitioners were afforded adequate opportunity of hearing.
Final Decision
The writ petition is dismissed. No order as to costs.
Law Points
- Natural justice
- Show-cause notice
- Cancellation of licence
- Opportunity of hearing
- Compliance with statutory conditions
