Although W.M.P. Nos. 27407/1994 and 26382 of 1994 in W.P. No. 17363 of 1994 are posted today, the writ petition itself is taken up for final hearing with the consent of the learned counsel for the parties.

2.Heard the learned counsel for the parties accordingly.

3.The petitioner in this writ petition has questioned the validity and correctness of the impugned order dated 26-9-1994 passed by the respondent and sought for quashing the same.

4.Shri N.R. Chandran, the learned senior counsel for the petitioner contended that the impugned order said to have been passed under Regulation 21(2) of the Customs House Agents Licensing Regulations, 1984, for short `the Regulations', is unsustainable on the face of it. He submitted that under Regulation 21 the Collector may subject to the provisions of Regulation 23 suspend or revoke the licence of a Customs House Agent in so far as the jurisdiction of the Collector is concerned, and also order for forfeiture of security amount on any one of the grounds (a) to (c) mentioned in Regulation 21(1). Under Regulation 21(2) the Collector may in appropriate case where immediate action is necessary suspend the licence pending enquiry.

5.He submit