Markandey Katju, C. J.

1. This writ appeal has been filed against the order of the learned single Judge dated 23. 1. 2004.

2. Wehave heard the learned counsel for the parties and perused the impugned judgment and the records.

3. The writ petitioner was the second transferee of a licence granted for exporting leather and leather products by the Export and Import Control Trade Organisation, Chennai, on 22. 9. 1999. Originally, the licence was granted for the period from 22. 9. 1999 to 20. 2. 2001. Subsequently, it was transferred to one M/s. M. B. Vir Enterprises on 20. 2. 2001 and the period of the licence was extended, in terms of the policy, till 20. 8. 2001.

4. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seized several licences including the licence in question on 23. 4. 2001 on the allegation of tampering. The licence in question was found to be in order and therefore, returned to the writ petitioner on 16. 8. 2001. His licence period was to expire on 20. 8. 2001. He made an application for extension of period of the licence. That application was rejected on 29. 1. 2002 on the ground that the Handbook of procedures docs not permit extension of period of licence in the