Fair-price-shop suspension proceedings must afford a hearing and be decided within 30 days.

The petitioners challenged the Sub-Divisional Officer (Revenue), Bagicha’s order dated 10 June 2026 suspending the authorization of the Fair Price Shop operated by Kamal Self Help Group, Loro, and entrusting its operation to Gram Panchayat Loro

They alleged that the order was passed without an inquiry or an opportunity to be heard

The State submitted that suspension was not a final order and that proceedings under the Chhattisgarh Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, should be conducted, with the petitioners given a hearing

1. Whether the petitioners were entitled to an opportunity of hearing in proceedings concerning suspension of the Fair Price Shop authorization

2. Whether the Court should interfere with the suspension order or direct the competent authority to complete proceedings under the Control Order

The Court relied on the Chhattisgarh Public Distribution System (Control) Order, 2016, under which the competent authority must conduct the relevant proceedings and, as noted by the Court, conclude them preferably within the prescribed period of 30 days

The Court also directed that the petitioners be afforded an opportunity of hearing before an appropriate order is made

Given that the suspension had been in force since 10 June 2026 and the shop’s operation had meanwhile been entrusted to the Gram Panchayat, the Court considered it appropriate to ensure prompt proceedings rather than determine the merits of the suspension itself

It directed the Sub-Divisional Officer to initiate proceedings under the Control Order, if not already initiated, hear the petitioners, and pass an appropriate order in accordance with law, preferably within 30 days if the proceedings remained pending

The Court expressly left the merits open

The petitioners were at liberty to file a reply and raise their grounds before the authority; the Court expressed no opinion on the merits