Hon'ble Saurabh Lavania,J.
Heard learned counsel for the petitioner and leaned counsel for the State through Video Conferencing.
Petitioner claims to be a licensee for sale of liquor for the year 2020-21. It is stated that prior to start of the licensing year he was required to deposit license fee as per Rules, which he did. It is said that he deposited amount of Rs.95 lakhs as license fee, which was demanded from him.
Grievance of the petitioner is that on account of Covid-19 pandemic for certain period of license he could not operate the shops for reasons beyond his control and as he could not operate the shops for certain period on account of Covid -19 pendemic, therefore, he is entitled to refund of proportionate license fee on principle of fairness and equity.
Without entering into merits of the controversy as Sri Mehrotra prays that petitioner may be permitted to move representation before the Excise Commissioner or whosoever is competent in the Government raising his grievance, as referred in the petition, thereupon they may take a decision as per law within a reasonable period, this Court disposes of this petition with liberty to petitioner to represent his cause before the Excise Commissioner or whosoever may be competent, as per law, within ten days, whereupon the competent authority shall consider the same as per law and take decision thereon within a reasonable period say within two months from the date of submission of representation.
Order Date :- 19.5.2021 Vinay/-