CORAM: HONOURABLE MR. JUSTICE HARISH KUMAR ORAL ORDER

2 28-01-2026 Heard the parties.

2. The petitioner apprehends his arrest in connection with Saur Bazar P.S. Case No. 318 of 2025, registered for the offences punishable under Section 7 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 .

3. Based upon the written report, the prosecution alleges that on the fateful day, the informant, who is said to be Supply Inspector of Sour Bazar, inspected the Fair Price Shop of the petitioner. However, during physical inspection, it was found that there was no foodgrains available in the godown, though as per the record, 29.99 quintals of wheat and 126.23 quintals of rice should be kept in the godown. On query, the petitioner could not able to produce any proof of availability of foodgrains and it is found that the foodgrains have been used or sold in the blackmarket.

4. Learned Advocate for the petitioner submitted that the petitioner is a Fair Price Shop Dealer since 1978 and prior to institution of the present case, there had never been any irregularity found or alleged against him. In fact, the shop in question consists of two rooms, out of which one is exclusively used as godown for storage of foodgra