JUDGMENT

R.C. Lahoti, J.-Leave granted.

2. By an agreement dated 31st day of March, 1994 entered into between the Indian Oil Corporation Limited and the appellants, the appellants were appointed dealer in petroleum products. It appears that on 15.12.1999, officers of the respondent-Corporation visited the retail outlet of the appellants. An inspection was carried out. On 24.1.2000, the Corporation served a show cause notice on the appellants requiring them to explain why density record was not maintained on day-to-day basis as, on 15.12.1999, density upto 9.12.1999 was only recorded in the density register and, secondly, why the appellants did not cooperate with the officers who had come to inspect the retail outlet and rather used un-parliamentary language and displayed discourteous behaviour. On 2.2.2000, the appellants sent a reply. The matter rested at that.

3. On 11.2.2000, sample of SKO was taken jointly by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate and officials of the respondent Corporation and sent to Kanpur laboratory of the respondent whereat the sample was received on 13.3.2000 and subjected to lab test on 18.3.2000. The only infirmity found in the sample was that automatic viscosity a