Hon’ble Sudhir Agarwal, J.—Heard Sri Shashi Nandan, learned Senior Advocate, assisted by Mr. Shri Kant Shukla, Advocate, for petitioner and learned Standing Counsel for respondents.

2. Though contract of petitioner has been cancelled and he has been blacklisted, but learned Senior Advocate is confining his relief in the present writ petition only to the extent petitioner has been permanently blacklisted and contention is that blacklisting cannot be permanent without providing a specific period therefor.

3. We find substance in the aforesaid submission. Before giving our reasons in detail, it would be appropriate to have a bird eye view of the relevant facts, necessary for adjudication of present writ petition.

4. M/s Vindhyawasini T. Transport is “Handling and Transport Contractor” registered in Food and Civil Supplies Department for handling and transportation of food grains. It is registered with Regional Food Controller, Gorakhpur Region, Gorakhpur (hereinafter referred to as “RFC, GKP”). Principal function of petitioner, whenever contract is awarded, is to transport and handle food grains available for Public Distribution System (hereinafter referred to as “P.D.S.”) in