( 1 ) THIS is an application under Article 226 of the Constitution for a writ in the nature of mandamus directing the respondents to cancel or withdraw the notice dated 27-2-1950 served on the petitioners and also for an order for cancellation of the resolution dated 24-2-1950 passed by the respondents and for direction calling upon the respondents to forbear from giving effect to the said resolution and/or the said notice.

( 2 ) THE petitioners are the owners of two beef shops in Ward No. 4 Charial, Budge Budge, to the District of 24-Parganas. The petitioner 3 is the nephew of the petitioners 1 and 2 and one of the said beef shops is stated to have come into existence 100 years ago. The area in which the shops are situated is an industrial area and it is stated that it is inhabited predominantly by Mahomedans. It is alleged that beef is one of the staple food of Mahomedans particularly the poorer section of that community and due to the persistent demands of the local people two other shops besides the two shops belonging to the petitioners came into existence about thirty years ago and have been in the locality ever since. The petitioners have been at all material time