Judgment

RANGANATH MISRA, J.:- These appeals are by special leave and are directed against a common judgment of the Orissa High Court in three writ petitions, one by each of the present appellants challenging discharge from State Government service of each of the appellants for misconduct.

2. Under the Orissa Food Grains Dealers Licensing Order, 1964, there was restriction in respect of carrying on business as a dealer in specified food-grains including wheat except under, and in accordance with, the terms and conditions of a licence issued by the appropriate authority. At the relevant time with a view to stabilising the price of wheat and for ensuring adequate supply thereof, Government used to procure and store wheat through appointed agents. Storage agents had been appointed at Berhampur in the district of Ganjam who were storing wheat not only on behalf of the Collector of Ganjam but also of other Collectors. Up to June 17, 1968, there was a uniform price for different qualities of wheat but on and from that date, the Central Government decided that white wheat and red wheat shall be differently priced. On June, 15, 1968 the State Government of Orissa required the Collectors by t