JUDGMENT

S. MANIKUMAR,CJ.

The petitioner is a consumer of Pariyapuram ration shop situated in Angadipuram Village in Malappuram District and is working as loading and unloading employee of Perinthalmanna Supply godown.

2. According to him, the rice adulterated with red oxide and few other chemicals, which bring down colour to white rice, was distributed through the ration shops named as “Matta rice” throughout the State. While washing the rice, the colour fades and the hands and pots would turn brownish and pots become oily.

3. It is his further contention that on enquiry, he came to know that the Government used to collect paddy from farmers directly and entrusted the same to private mills for pounding to take rice from it. Then the private mill owners would export the said quality rice to foreign countries and private business firms and return the rice adulterated with red oxide and other chemicals to get the brown colour and named as “Matta rice' to supply Co. godowns. The said adulterated rice is supplied to Supply Co. godowns in order to distribute the same, to the laymen through ration shops. It is also submitted that the usage of red oxide and other chemicals for adulteration o