Gold dealer licensing turns on the applicant firm itself, not partners separately, under the Gold Control framework.

A partnership firm applying for a gold dealer's licence is assessed as the applicant entity under the Gold (Control) Act, because the Act treats a firm as a dealer and as the holder of the licence. Section 52 also shows that a licence may be granted to a firm and regulated through changes in partnership constitution, confirming that the firm is the relevant juristic unit. Rule 2(dd) therefore applies to the applicant firm itself, not to its partners separately, unless the firm on its own facts falls within the prohibition. The firm was not disqualified under rule 2(dd) and was entitled to consideration for the licence.

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Issues: Whether a partnership firm applying for a gold dealer's licence was disqualified under rule 2(dd) merely because some of its partners were also partners in another firm already holding such a licence.

Analysis: Under the Gold (Control) Act, a "dealer" includes a firm, and the licensing scheme treats the firm itself as the holder of the licence. Section 52 further contemplates a licence granted to a firm and regulates continuity on change in the constitution of the partnership, showing that the firm is the relevant juristic unit for licensing purposes. Rule 2(dd) therefore applies by reference to the applicant firm and not to its partners in isolation, unless the situation is such that the applicant firm is itself covered by the prohibition in the rule on the facts of the case.

Conclusion: The applicant firm was not disqualified under rule 2(dd) and was entitled to consideration for the licence.

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