Judgment

DUA, J. :- This appeal is by special leave. The appellant assails the order of the Judicial Commissioner, Tripura dated June 25, 1971 dismissing his petition under Art. 226 of the Constitution challenging the order of the Collector of Excise, Tripura, dated July 5, 1970.

2. The appellant was granted licence for the period April 1, 1963 to March 31, 1966 for running a ware-house for supply of country liquor to excise vendors in the territory of Tripura. The Bengal Excise Act, 1909 (hereinafter called the Act) had been extended to that territory on August 1, 1962. The appelant s licence was subsequently extended for a further period of two years ending March 31, 1968. On November 6, 1967 the appellant applied to the Excise Collector praying that he should be permitted to continue the supply of country liquor for a period of five years commencing April 1, 1968. The Collector recommended the appellant s case to the Government on November 18, 1967 for extension of his licence for a further period of only two years. On December 22, 1967 the Collector of Excise, Tripura, Agartala, wrote to the appellant that he had been appointed by the Chief Commissioner "a contractor for the supp