PARMAR ALABHAI RAMABHAI v. FOOD CONTROLLER

It was also stated that they used to get kerosene from fair price shops but the said work was handed over to hawkers which created a number of difficulties . Before taking such decision and changing the policy, inconvenience of the customers has not been considered, nor any notice was issued nor opportunity of hearing was afforded, nor consumers were taken in confidence. In view of the fact that the petitioners were not in a position to make representation and the action deserves to be quashed and set aside being arbitrary and unreasonable, they have approached this Court. It was also stated that various representations were made but they were not considered and no reply was sent to them. It was, therefore, submitted that appropriate directions may be issued to the State Government. After notice was issued, the respondents appeared and Deputy Controller of Food and Civil Supplies , Ahmedabad has filed an affidavit.

Mr. Bukhari stated that affidavit was already tendered , but it is not available. A copy is, therefore, taken on record. In the affidavit, it was inter alia stated that Ahmedabad City was divided into 123 zones. Zonal offices are working under the Food Control Department and every month, Civil Supply Department of the State Government allots necessary quota of kerosene . According to the deponent, there are 41 agencies which receive kerosene directly from oil company as per the quota allotted by the Government. At present, there are four categories for distribution of kerosene: (i) fair price shop; (ii) kerosene retailers; (iii) limited quota kerosene licensed shops and (iv) hawkers. It was also stated that distribution was made to the hawkers so that such hawkers are available near fair price shops from where customers purchase other essential articles . No doubt, the grievance of the petitioners is that in fact, hawkers are not available in the nearby vicinity of fair price shop which has caused inconvenience to the customers.

If it is so, it is open to the consumers to draw attention of the authorities. So far as policy is concerned, in the light of the affidavit , it cannot be said that the policy decision is either arbitrary or unreasonable. Moreover, such policy decisions are not subject to judicial review under Article 226 of the Constitution . True it is, that if the policy is arbitrary, irrational or violative of any provision of law, this Court can declare such policy to be ultra vires. But in the facts and circumstances of the case, it cannot be said that the policy adopted by the State Government vide notification, dated 19th June, 1999 can be termed as arbitrary, unreasonable or otherwise ultra vires. For the foregoing reasons, I see no ground to interfere with the policy decision of the State Government. Petitions, therefore, deserve to be dismissed and are accordingly dismissed. Notice discharged. No order as to costs. -- parekh