The court emphasized the importance of considering the petitioner's representation and making a decision in accordance with the law.

JUDGMENT

Manoj Kumar Tiwari, J. - This writ petition has been filed by Kumaun Mandal Samooh Sahkarita, Indira Colony, Rudrapur, District Udham Singh Nagar. According to the petitioner, it has been registered under provisions of Uttarakhand Self Reliant Cooperative Societies Act, 2003.

2. By means of this writ petition, petitioner has sought the following reliefs:-

"I- To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding the respondent no. 4 to grant permission to the petitioner to participate in the of THR/micro nutrient fortified energy dense food to Aaganbadi centers in District Udham Singh Nagar treating them equivalent to women self help group.

II. To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding the respondent no. 1 to 3 to permit the petitioner to participate in the supply of THR/micro nutrient fortified energy dense food to Aaganbadi centers in District Udham Singh Nagar treating them equivalent to women self help group.

Or

III. To issue a writ, order or direction in the nature of mandamus commanding the respondent no. 4 to decide the representation dated 22-09-2021 (annexed as Annexure no. 5 to this writ petition)."

3. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that in the year 2015-16 & 2016-17, petitioner was treated as a self-help group for award of contract for supply of intake home ration by the District Project Officer, Child Development, Udham Singh Nagar. Grievance of the petitioner is that now it is not being treated as self-help group of women.

4. After arguing for a while, learned counsel for the petitioner confines his prayer and submits that petitioner has already made a representation to District Magistrate, Udham Singh Nagar on 22.09.2021, who may be directed to take decision thereupon.

5. Learned Standing Counsel appearing for the State assures the Court that if petitioner's representation is pending, then the same shall be considered and disposed of as early as possible.

6. Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of with a direction to District Magistrate, Udham Singh Nagar to examine petitioner's request for treating it as a self-help group and take appropriate decision, in accordance with law, as early as possible, preferably within four months from the date of production of certified copy of this order.

7. It is made clear that before passing any order, District Magistrate shall obtain comments from District Assistant Registrar, Cooperative Societies, Udham Singh Nagar and also from the concerned District Programme Officer/Child Development Project Officer.