ORDER:

1. In this Writ Petition, the petitioner is assailing the correctness of the order passed by the 2nd respondent in proceedings in Case No.CS6/27/2019 dt.31-12-2020 blacklisting the petitioner Rice Mill for supply of CMR paddy for a period of 5 years.

2. Heard learned counsel for petitioner, learned Government for Civil Supplies appearing for respondent Nos.1 and 2 and Sri T.P.Achari, learned Standing Counsel appearing for 3 and 4.

3. Counter affidavit on behalf of 2nd respondent is filed.

4. The short question involved in the present Writ Petition is as to the correctness of the impugned order passed by 2nd respondent in blacklisting the petitioner for a period of 5 years inasmuch as no notice was issued by respondents before imposing the said penal action on the petitioner.

5. Petitioner contends that though various proceedings under Section 6-A of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 (for short ‘the Act’) were pending before the Authority, since the order of blacklisting is associated with civil consequences depriving petitioner of its relationship with the Government for the purpose of conducting business, the respondents ought to have put the petitioner on notice before impo