LODHA, J.—This Writ petition has been filed under Art. 226 of the Constitu-tion of India challenging the constitutionality and validity of the Cement Contro Order, 1967.

2. The petitioner is a Limited Company. It is carrying on business in the manufacture of cement and has a factory at Sawai Madhopur in the State of Rajasthan.

3. In exercise of the powers conferred by secs. 18-G and 25 of the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act. 65 of 1951 (which will hereinafter be called the Act) and other powers enabling it in that behalf the Central Government made the Cement Control Order 1967. (which will hereinafter be called "the Order"). Sec. 18-G of the Act, which deals with the powers of the Central Government to control supply, distribution, price etc. of certain articles, reads as follows :

"18G. (1) The Central Government, so far as it appears it to be necessary or expedient for securing the equitable distribution and availability at fair prices of any article or class of articles relatable to any scheduled industry, may, notwithstanding any thing contained in any other provision of this Act, by notified order, provide for regulating the supply and distribution thereof and trade

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