Court criticizes respondents for delays in filing counter-affidavit challenging flower import ban, imposes cost, grants final opportunity.

The court criticized the respondents for delays in filing a counter-affidavit in a case challenging a ban on importing cut-flowers, highlighting the urgency due to the goods' perishable nature. Granting a final opportunity, the court ordered the respondents to file the counter-affidavit by a specified date, with a cost of Rs. 10,000 imposed. The respondents have the option to seek a waiver of the cost upon filing the affidavit. Further proceedings are scheduled for the specified date.

---

---

Issues:
Challenge to ban on imports of cut-flowers, Delay in filing counter-affidavit, Urgency due to perishable nature of goods

Analysis:
The petition challenges an order and notification imposing a ban on importing cut-flowers through all airports except Chennai, alleging violation of constitutional articles. The petitioner, a flower trader, argues that the ban severely affects business due to perishable nature of goods. Despite multiple adjournments, the respondents have not filed a counter-affidavit, causing further delays. The court notes the urgency of the matter given the perishable nature of cut-flowers and criticizes the respondents for their casual approach. Granting a final opportunity, the court orders the respondents to file the counter-affidavit by a specified date, subject to a cost of Rs. 10,000. The respondents may seek waiver of the cost upon filing the affidavit. The case is listed for further proceedings on the specified date.

---