Extension granted to challenge anti-profiteering notices amid Covid-19. Review ordered with options for virtual hearings.

The High Court granted the petitioners an extension of eight weeks to submit explanations and defenses challenging notices issued by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority and the Director General of Anti-Profiteering, due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The 4th respondent was directed to review the submissions, issue a reasoned order, and consider requests for virtual or physical hearings. The Court clarified that no observations were made on the parties' contentions, vacated previous interim orders, and dismissed pending miscellaneous petitions without imposing costs.

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Issues:
Challenging notices issued by National Anti-Profiteering Authority and Director General of Anti-Profiteering.

Analysis:
The High Court considered two Writ Petitions challenging notices issued by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority and the Director General of Anti-Profiteering. A previous similar case had been disposed of by the Division Bench, directing the petitioners to submit explanations within four weeks and allowing them to present all defenses available in law. The 4th respondent was instructed to review the explanations, issue a reasoned order, and communicate it to the petitioners. The petitioners in the present cases requested an extension of time due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Court granted their request, providing eight weeks to submit explanations and avail themselves of all legal defenses. The 4th respondent was directed to evaluate the submissions, issue a reasoned order, and consider any requests for virtual or physical hearings. The Court clarified that no observations were made on the parties' contentions, and previous interim orders were vacated. Both Writ Petitions were disposed of accordingly, with pending miscellaneous petitions dismissed and no costs imposed.

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