The petitioner is a Company engaged in the trading of cardamom. According to the petitioner, the marketing system in cardamom is regulated by the Cardamom (Marketing and Licensing) Rules 1987 as amended in 2014 and the controlling authority is the Spices Board. It is the case of the petitioner that eight companies were given license for three year period in the year 2007. However, their license is being extended from time to time without any reasons. The petitioner's present grievance is directing the Spices Board not to extend the validity of cardamom license but to conduct fresh auction.
2. The learned Standing Counsel, on instruction, submitted that there is a change in the auction rules and Spices Board has already approached the Ministry for
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notifying the amended rules and on account of delay in notifying the rules, they could not conduct fresh auction. It is further submitted that for the time being the present arrangement will have to continue otherwise it will adversely affect the cardamom farmers. It is also stated that the State Trading Corporation will take over the auction tentatively from third week of December and once notification is issued, fresh auction will be conducted in accordance with the notification. The above submission is recorded.
3. In the above facts and circumstances, the respondents shall ensure that no third party is given license, other than STC, from third week of December onwards till notification is issued.
Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly.
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A. MUHAMED MUSTAQUE, JUDGE jjj