CHOUTHMAL JAINARAYAN AND CO Vs. AGRL PRODUCE MARKET COMMITTEE BELLARY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) These two petitions coming up for orders, by consent of both the Counsel for parties, are taken up for hearing.

(2.) The writ petitioners are registered traders holding licence as such, in the market area of Bellary under the Karnataka Agricultural Marketing (Regulation) Act, 1966, (hereinafter referred tc as 'the Act'. They deal in foodgrains, pulses, dhalls and several other commodities. The Act purports to regulate the purchases and sales of agricultural produce in the market area, market-yard, market, sub-market or sub-market yard.

(3.) S 65 of the Act as it existed at the time of the filing of the petitions consisted of only Sec. 65 (2). Sub-Secs. (1) and (3) have been struck down by this Court, in separate proceedings. Since then Karnataka Ordinance No.2 has been promulgated enhancing fee under sub-sec. (2) of Sec. 65, to Rs. 20/-. Even that is not strictly relevant for the purpose of these writ petitions.