LAW FOR ALL

grant of exclusive privilege and the licence = the High Court entertained the writ petition preferred by the first respondent herein and quashed the grant of exclusive privilege and the licence granted in favour of Ropan Sahoo and Mukesh Kumar, the respondent Nos. 5 and 6 in the writ petition, the present appeals have been preferred by the grieved persons as well as by the State.- the restrictions enshrined in clauses (d) and (e) of Rule 34(1) of the Rules in relation to the minimum distance between the proposed shops and the Vishnu Temple, petrol pump and bus stand and at a latter part of the judgment has expressed the opinion that there has been infraction of statutory Rule, namely, Rule 34 which casts a statutory duty on the department to pass on order with reasons relaxing the restrictions. We are disposed to think that the High Court, as far as the first part of the opinion is concerned, has been guided by the factum that the Commissioner-cum-Secretary in his recommendation to the Minister of Excise and Tourism had not specifically referred to clauses (d) and (e) of Rule 34(1) of the Rules. It is pertinent to state here that it is perceptible from the note sheet that the Secretary had referred to the proposal received from the Collector, endorsement made by the Excise Commissioner, the objections raised by the objectors and also expressed the view that the said objections were devoid of merit and, accordingly, recommended for approval. The cumulative effect of the note sheet goes a long way to show that every authority was aware of the distance and recommended for relaxation of clauses (d) and (e) of sub-rule (1) of Rule 34 and the concerned Minister had endorsed the same. Non-mentioning of the Rule or sub-rule, in our considered opinion, does not tantamount to non-passing of an order. The dominant test has to be the application of mind to the relevant facts. The second part of the order, if properly appreciated, conveys that no reasons have been ascribed. The proviso to Rule 34(1) lays a postulate that the distance as mentioned under clauses (d) and (e) may be relaxed by the State Government in special circumstances. The recommendations made by the Collector refers to the circumstances, namely, that there is a demand for consumption of liquor within the hotel premises; that illegal liquor cases have been booked in the nearby area; and that the proposal is in the interest of the Government revenue. The said recommendations, as is reflectible, have been concurred with by the higher authorities and, hence, there can be no trace of doubt that they constitute the special circumstances. 25. In view of our aforesaid analysis, the appeals are allowed and the order passed by the High Court is set aside. It is further clarified that if the Government, if so advised, can invoke the power under the proviso to Rule 34(1) of the Rules for the purpose of relaxation for grant of exclusive privilege and licence pertaining to the said shops in respect of current and subsequent financial years. In the facts and circumstances of the case, the parties shall bear their respective costs.