Durga Mahila Swa Sahayata Samooh v. State of Chhattisgarh
Case brief
What is this about?
The High Court of Chhattisgarh quashed the order dated 28.02.2023 cancelling the petitioner's fair price shop allotment. The petitioner, a women's self-help group, failed to update stock entries online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The court directed the petitioner to file a detailed reply within 10 days demonstrating no misappropriation of stock, and directed the concerned authority to decide the matter within 30 days under Section 16(3) of the Chhattisgarh PDS (Control) Order, 2016, after affording a hearing. The interim stay granted on 17.07.2023 was extended till the conclusion of proceedings.
What did the court decide?
Impugned order dated 28.02.2023 quashed. Petitioner directed to file reply within 10 days showing no misappropriation and COVID-19 related inability to update portal. Authority directed to decide within 30 days under Section 16(3) of Chhattisgarh PDS (Control) Order, 2016 after hearing. Interim stay continued till disposal.