The court is examining whether the Single Judge's interpretation regarding the role of the Guardian Minister in the issuance of IMFL licenses was correct, granting interim status quo pending further notice.

HONOURABLE MRS. JUSTICE SHAMIMA JAHAN

ORDER

30.04.2026

(S.K. Medhi, J)

Heard Shri K.N. Choudhury, learned Senior Counsel assisted by Shri R.M.

Deka, learned counsel for the appellant, who has preferred this appeal against

the judgment and order dated 31.03.2026 passed in WP(C)/5702/2022. By the

said judgment, the writ petition instituted by the present respondent no. 6 has

been allowed and the IMFL “OFF” license issued to the present appellant has

been interfered with.

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The learned Senior Counsel has submitted that the view taken by the

learned Single Judge on the point of the role of the Guardian Minister may not

be a correct view.

Let notice be issued, returnable on 29.05.2026.

Shri R.R. Gogoi, learned Standing Counsel, Excise Department accepts

notice on behalf of the respondent nos. the 1, 4 and 5, Ms. S. Sarma, learned

State Counsel accepts notice on behalf of the respondent nos. 2 and 3 and Shri

A. Khanikar, learned counsel for the caveator accepts notice on behalf of the

respondent no. 6.

Shri Choudhury, the learned Senior Counsel prays for an interim order.

Considering the facts and circumstances, it is provided that status quo as

on today be maintained till the returnable date.