Article 226 restraint at show-cause stage in wilful defaulter proceedings, with document supply left to the committee.

In wilful defaulter proceedings, the High Court held that Article 226 interference was not warranted at the show-cause stage because the Committee had not yet taken a final decision on the representation. The petitioners had already been given hearing opportunities, with adjournments also sought, and the question of supplying documents was left to the Committee to consider while deciding the representation. The request to appear through counsel was likewise treated as a matter for the Committee's consideration under the applicable legal position. The petitioners were left to pursue their representation before the Committee.

---

---

Issues: Whether the Court should interfere under Article 226 of the Constitution of India at the show-cause stage in wilful defaulter proceedings and direct supply of documents, and whether the petitioners could seek permission to appear through counsel before the Committee.

Analysis: The petitioners had only received a show-cause notice and the Committee had not yet taken a final decision on the representation. The material placed showed that opportunities of hearing had been granted and adjournments had also been sought. At that stage, the question of supply of documents was considered a matter for the Committee to examine while deciding the representation. The request to appear through counsel was also treated as a matter that could be placed before the Committee for consideration in accordance with the applicable legal position.

Conclusion: No interference was warranted under Article 226 at that stage, and the request for directions regarding documents was declined. The petitioners were left to pursue their representation before the Committee, including any request to appear through counsel.

---