J.L. Gupta, J. - (1.) This is a bunch of eight petitions. The counsel have referred to the pleadings in C.W.P.No. 833 of 2001.
(2.) The petitioners herein are running rice shellers. They are aggrieved by the communication dated December 3, 1998 issued by the Government of India, Ministry of Food and Consumer Affairs, Department of Food and Civil Supplies; to the Secretary, Food & Supplies Department, Government of Punjab. The 'driage' allowance on paddy was reduced from 2% to 1%.
(3.) The solitary contention raised on behalf of the petitioners is that the action of the Government in reducing the driage allowance from 2% to 1% for the period from October 1996 to December 31, 1996, is arbitrary and illegal.;