Authorities Directed to Hold Pre-Show Cause Consultation Per Master Circular; Outcome Due by October 26, 2023.

The Gujarat HC ordered respondent authorities to conduct a pre-show cause notice consultation in compliance with the Master Circular, as the initial notice was issued without following mandatory requirements. The Court highlighted the pending SC case on the limitation issue. Authorities must complete the consultation process within four weeks and report the outcome by the next hearing on 26th October 2023.

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The Gujarat High Court, in a case regarding non-compliance with pre-show cause notice consultation requirements, issued an order directing respondent authorities to conduct the consultation as per the Master Circular. The impugned show-cause notice was found to be issued without following mandatory requirements. The Court referenced the case of Dharamshil Agencies Versus Union of India and noted that the matter is also pending before the Supreme Court regarding the issue of limitation if the notice is set aside. The respondent authorities were instructed to complete the pre-consultation process within four weeks and present the outcome before the next hearing scheduled for 26th October 2023.

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