- (1.) We have dismissed this writ petition on 22nd April, 1993 and now we are supplying reasons for the same.
(2.) Petitioner, who is a wholesale dealer of Kerosene Oil/Light Diesel Oil in Hamirpur, has filed this writ petition to challenge letter dated 1st December, 1992 (Annexure P-3) issued to him by Chief Divisional Manager of first Respondent Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (hereinafter called Bharat Petroleum), whereby his supplies of kerosene oil were suspended till further orders as per Marketing Discipline Guidelines and the Kerosene/Light Diesel Oil Dealership Agreement. As stated in this letter, it was done on the advice of Director, Food and Supplies, Himachal Pradesh that a case had been registered against the Petitioner for mal-practices. The simple case made out by the Petitioner in the writ petition is that he is in business since 1985 and has not committed any act of malpractices as alleged against him, therefore, the suspension of his supplies is against the principles of natural justice.
(3.) In reply to notice to show cause why rule nisi be not issued, the first three Respondents have filed reply on the affidavit of Manmohan Singh presently working as Chief Divisional Manager in Bharat Petroleum and fourth Respondent State of Himachal Pradesh has filed reply on the affidavit of Prem Dhiman who is at present Director, Food and Supplies, Himachal Pradesh. The Petitioner has also filed rejoinder(s) to the reply-affidavit(s) of the Respondents. From the pleadings of the parties, the admitted facts are as follows:;