Magaswargiya Matsya Vyavsay Sahkari Sanstha Maryadit v. the State of Maharashtra through Its Secretary and Others
Case brief
What is this about?
Writ Petition, Aurangabad Bench, Bombay High Court (2025): termination of six-year fishing contract (order dated 03.01.2025) and blacklisting (order dated 16.01.2025) of a cooperative fishing society quashed for violation of the Article 14 guarantee of hearing — no personal hearing, complaint copy unserved, no enquiry into private activist's complaint, show-cause explanation unconsidered. Keywords: natural justice, opportunity of hearing, Article 14 Constitution of India, blacklisting, fishing rights/allotment agreement, show cause notice 08.10.2024, Maharashtra, cooperative society, quashing of orders, reasoned order before cancellation.
What did the court decide?
Both orders dated 03.01.2025 and 16.01.2025 quashed and set aside; Petitioner permitted to continue with his fishing right unless and until the allotment is cancelled by a reasoned order after giving him an opportunity of hearing; pending Civil Applications disposed of.