$~8 * IN THE HIGH COURT OF DELHI AT NEW DELHI + W.P.(C) 14781/2025 SHALEEN JAIN .....Petitioner Through: Dr. Amit George, Mr. Akshay Bhandari, Mr. Rupam Jha, Mr. Adhishwar Suri and Ms. Shriya Gilhotra, Advs. versus UNION OF INDIA & ORS. .....Respondents Through: Ms. Nidhi Raman, CGSC, Mr. Arnav Mittal, GP and Mr. Mayank Sansanwal, Advs., UOI. CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE SACHIN DATTA % 25.09.2025 O R D E R 1. The present petition has been filed by the petitioner, a small-scale trader engaged in the import and processing of sandalwood, assailing the prevailing import policy pertaining to sandalwood, specifically the imposition of a quantitative ceiling of 5,000 cubic meters (cum) as prescribed under the policy and circulars dated 07.04.2006 and 31.12.2007. 2. It is submitted that the said import restrictions are violative of the petitioner’s fundamental rights under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution of India. It is further submitted that the restrictions are obsolete and have outlived their intended purpose. 3. It is contended that the ceiling limit has resulted in a scarcity in supply of sandalwood and is adversely affecting the unorganised sector comprising small-scale artisans engaged in the manufacture of handicrafts and perfumery products. It is pointed out that the current domestic This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/10/2025 at 12:18:55 production is inadequate to meet the increasing demand for sandalwood. 4. Further, the petitioner asserts that the quantitative ceiling is in contravention of the second proviso to Section 9A(2) of the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992. 5. After some hearing, it is agreed that the present petition shall be traced as a representation by the respondent no.2/ Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), which shall consider the averments made in the petition, and pass an appropriate order in accordance with law. The DGFT, if deemed necessary, may consult the concerned Ministry viz. the Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change and other concerned Stakeholders prior to disposal of the said representation. 6. Let the representation be disposed of by way of a speaking order within a period of 12 weeks from today. 7. The petition is disposed of in the above terms. SACHIN DATTA, J SEPTEMBER 25, 2025/cl This is a digitally signed order. The authenticity of the order can be re-verified from Delhi High Court Order Portal by scanning the QR code shown above. The Order is downloaded from the DHC Server on 06/10/2025 at 12:18:55