5. The learned Central Government Standing Counsel appearing for the respondent in WP No. 18405 of 2019 as well as the other counsel appearing for the respondents, in unison, would oppose the prayers sought for in these writ petitions. By placing reliance on the counter affidavit filed by the respondents in WP No. 18405 of 2019, it is contended that the Plant Quarantine Regulatory Measures in India formed the basis for enactment of The Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. Section 3 of the said Act provides the power to the Central Government to regulate or prohibit import of articles which are likely to cause infection. The Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 was issued in exercise of the powers conferred under The Destructive Insects and Pests Act, 1914. to regulate import and prohibit import of plants and plant products into India. It is in this direction, the Office Memorandums, which are impugned in these writ petitions, were issued to act as a deterrent to import of woods without fumigation. At the same time, taking note of the need for wood in the Country, it was decided to enhance the inspection fee on import of all agricultural commodities including timber as they are imported in violation of the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003. Above all, it is contended that the importing Country has a right to impose conditions to safe guard its biosecurity and it cannot be called in question by the petitioners. It is stated that when any consignment from India reaches the other country without complying with the formalities or requirements, the importing country would either destroy or deports the consignment. In the present case, with the object of protecting biosecurity of the Country, restricted use of Methyl Bromide is resorted to. It is further stated that initially, relaxation was granted for those bills of lading issued by the country of Export upto 31.12.2019 and thereafter, it was decided to allow fumigation at the port of discharge with penalty. However, the petitioners have not challenged the Office Memorandum fixing a cut off date as 31.12.2019. In any event, the office memorandums were issued in exercise of the powers provided under Clause 14 (2) of Chapter VI of the Plant Quarantine Order, 2003 wherein it is specifically provided that in the event of grant of relaxation
