IN THE HIGH COURT OF PUNJAB AND HARYANA AT CHANDIGARH 104 CWP-15487-2026 (O&M) Date of Decision : July 23, 2026 BISHAMBER KUMAR -PETITIONER V/S STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS -RESPONDENTS CORAM: HON'BLE MR. JUSTICE KULDEEP TIWARI Present: Mr. Saurabh Bajaj, Advocate for the petitioner. Mr. Sahil R. Bakshi, A.A.G., Punjab. *** KULDEEP TIWARI, J. (ORAL) 1. The instant writ petition is directed against the order dated 27.03.2026 (Annexure P-11), whereby respondent No.3 cancelled the essential commodities supply licence granted in favour of the petitioner on the allegation of certain irregularities. 2. Learned counsel for the petitioner contends that an order of suspension can remain operative only for a period of 90 days, during which the competent authority is statutorily obliged to conclude the proceedings and take the show cause notice to its logical conclusion. It is submitted that, in the present case, the proceedings have not been concluded within the prescribed period and, consequently, the order of suspension is required to be revoked. 3. Per contra, learned State counsel, on instructions from Mr.Ankush Dogra, Food Inspector, Hoshiarpur, submits that the delay in concluding the proceedings is solely attributable to the petitioner’s failure to cooperate in the enquiry. It is further submitted that, in the event the DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.24 10:41 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment CWP-15487-2026 (O&M) 2 petitioner extends cooperation, the competent authority shall conclude the proceedings and pass a final order on the show cause notice within a period of two weeks from today. 4. In view of the statement made by learned State counsel, and without going into the merits of the writ petition, this Court deems it appropriate, at this stage, to dispose of the instant writ petition with a direction to respondent No.3- District Controller, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Hoshiarpur, to conclude the enquiry and pass a final order on the show cause notice, in accordance with law, within a period of 15 days from today, after affording the petitioner adequate opportunity of hearing. The petitioner shall extend full cooperation in the proceedings to facilitate conclusion thereof within the stipulated period. 5. Disposed of accordingly. 6. Pending applications also stand disposed of accordingly. (KULDEEP TIWARI) July 23, 2026 JUDGE devinder Whether speaking/reasoned : Yes/No Whether Reportable : Yes/No DEVINDER YADAV 2026.07.24 10:41 I attest to the accuracy and authenticity of this order/judgment