Judgment

DAS GUPTA, J. : This application under Art. 32 of the Constitution is for the protection of fundamental rights under Art. 19(1)(f) and (g), Art. 31 and Art. 14 of the Constitution. The second and the third applicants are merchants who used to import considerable quantities of glass chatons upto 1957. The first applicant is an Association of merchants, some of whom were importers and some the actual users. Import of glass chatons - which form an important part of the raw materials for the manufacture of glass bangles and other similar articles of wear - could be made only on licences granted by licensing authorities. Since 1955 the matter has been regulated by the Imports (Control) Order, 1955. This Order which was made by the Central Government in exercise of powers conferred by Ss. 3 and 4-A of the Imports and Exports (Control) Act, 1947, prohibited the import of a large number of goods including inter alia glass chatons, except under and in accordance with a licence, granted on application by the licensing authotiries under the Act. Police statements are made from time to time by the Government of India, indicating the policy for the issue of Import licences. The policy a