Writ petition for mandamus entertained on a question of law, but interim relief refused and matter directed on affidavits.

A writ petition seeking mandamus was entertained on the basis that a question of law had been raised, but no interim order was granted because the relief sought was treated as final rather than interlocutory. The matter was directed to proceed on affidavits, with liberty to file pleadings and for the respondent to consider any reply to the impugned show-cause notice in accordance with law during the pendency of the petition.

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Issues: Whether any interim order should be granted in a writ petition seeking final relief by way of mandamus, and whether the petition should be entertained for adjudication on affidavits.

Analysis: The writ petition was taken up on the basis that a question of law had been raised. The request for interim relief was declined as the prayer was treated as one for final relief rather than a specific interim order. The matter was directed to proceed on affidavits, with liberty to the parties to file pleadings and for the respondent to consider any reply to the impugned show-cause notice in accordance with law during pendency.

Outcome: No interim order was granted, the writ petition was entertained, and the matter was directed to proceed on affidavits for final hearing.

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