Perused the papers of special civil application and heard Mr. Samir Dave for the respondents. In 1983 ration card was issued to the petitioner in which there was name of one Dr Bharat Bhagwanji. It appears that later on Dr. Bharat Bhagwanji carved out separate ration card and started residing separately. The petitioner made application to the respondents to delete the name of Dr. Bharat Bhagwanji from the ration card. On this application explanation was sought from the petitioner bythe authority by memo dated 10th February, 1987. The District Supply Officer has justified the action of issuing ration card to Dr. Bharat Bhagwanji. Respondent No.3, under order dated 10th February, 1987 seized the ration card of the petitioner. Thereafter the petitioner made request to respondent No.3 from time to time to return the ration card, and that would not have found favour with the authority and hence this special civil application.
2.So far as the grievance made by the petitioner it is difficult to appreciate the stand of the authorities. In case the ration card of the petitioner has been seized, then atleast the petitioner's application for grant of fresh ration card has tobe considered by the appropriate authority in accordance with law. The counsel for respondents Mr. Samir Dave fairly conceded that the appropriate authority will not have any objection to consider the application filed by the petitioner for giving him ration card for himself and his family members in accordance with law. Taking into consideration the statement of the counsel for the respondents I consider it proper to dispose of this petition with the direction that the petitioner, if he so desires, may move an application to the appropriate authority for grant of ration card to him and his family members. He may do so within a period of two months from the date of receipt of copy of this order. If such application is made by the petitioner, it is expected of the authority concerned to dispose of the same as expeditiously as possible, preferably within three months from the date of receipt of the same. In case the authority concerned considers that ration card cannot be granted to the petitioner, then a reasoned order may be passed and copy of the same shall be sent to the petitioner by registered post. Subject to the aforesaid observations and directions the petition stands disposed of. Notice discharged.