Civil Writ Jurisdiction Case No. 6440, filed at the Patna High Court

INTRODUCTION

Advocate Shrishti Rani successfully represented Mr. Suraj Ram, a PDS shop owner, in the case. The client lost his ration card just because of an FIR, without being convicted in a court of law. The client’s victory came after the High Court heard the case and decided in his favor, restoring his right to PDS supplies.

Type of Case:

Civil (Writ Petition concerning administrative injustice in PDS licensing)

About the Client

The person making the petition, Mr. Suraj Ram, is 64 years old and lives in Village Burhwal, Police Station Karakat, District Rohtas, Bihar. He comes from a small town and has a government-issued license to run a PDS shop with License No. 50/07. This license alone gave him enough income to live and support his family.

Legal Issue in the Case

The Department of Police Station Karakat registered an FIR against Mr. Suraj Ram in 2017 as Case No. 211. Based only on the FIR and without any trial or evidence, the Block Supply Officer decided to cancel the FIR. Subsequently:

• Bikramganj’s sub-divisional officer disappointed the village by revoking the PDS license, using Memo No. 39/Aa.
• The complaint in Supply Appeal Case No. 02/2018 against the collector, Rohtas, was dismissed by the central government on 06.07.2018.
• 06.07.2023: The Divisional Commissioner, Patna, also supported the earlier orders mentioned in BTPDS Control Revision 399/2022.

Still, none of these steps were considered in the light of the law, as making an FIR itself does not imply a person is guilty and merits punishment.

Advocate Shrishti Rani’s Approach to the Case

When I handled this case, I concerned myself with matters of people’s rights. The action taken to cancel Mr. Suraj Ram’s license was not in line with the required standards, constitutional rights, and laws of the Bihar Targeted Public Distribution System (Control) Order.

I applied for the case CWJC No. 6440 of 2024 in the High Court of Patna, requesting the following relief.

• The removal of all old orders given by the SDO, District Collector, and Divisional Commissioner.
• Mr. Suraj Ram is having his PDS License No. 50/07 restored.
• Prohibition against the cancellation of a man’s status just because he is reported to the police.
• Actions to provide the petitioner with a fair hearing at later stages.

An interlocutory application (I.A. No. 1 of 2025) was also presented to the court, pleading for a halt to the effects of the impugned orders.

How the hearing is conducted and the progress of the case

Court’s Verdict

In the Hon’ble Justice A. Abhishek Reddy’s view, cancelling a license just because an FIR is filed is not acceptable. The judgment:

• Leave all three orders done by the SDO, Collector, and Commissioner aside.
• Give the petitioner supplies and a license whenever possible.
• Clarified that the department can only take action in the future after the petitioner is found guilty or violates the PDS rules.

I made a reference during the hearing to Umesh Ram vs. State of Bihar (AIR 2014 Patna 113) as the basis for this decision.

What was the result of the decision?

Thanks to this judgment, Mr. Suraj Ram’s rights were restored, and he was able to take his food ration shop back, ensuring he can support himself and people around him. At his time and money, this outcome made a significant difference to his life.

This ruling ensures license holders in Bihar will be protected from forceful actions by government officials, reinforcing fairness in procedures.

Client Testimonial

The day my license was taken away, I felt it was the end for me. Yet, Advocate Shrishti Rani never left my side, acted brave, and helped me overcome the injustice I had suffered. She is the finest lawyer in Patna, and she has saved me. I consider her the best choice for anyone interested in hiring a Patna High Court lawyer.

Suraj Ram served in Rohtas District.

Advocate Shrishti Rani talks about the main topics of this section

This case showed me again that writing laws and issuing directives needs to be done while upholding the constitution. Disregarding citizens’ opinions is often a problem, mostly for those who are from outlying areas or disadvantaged communities. In the Patna High Court, I fought to protect my client’s rights and also made it clear to officials that following the rules is required by law. It is my duty as a Patna High Court lawyer to oppose unfair government policies that endanger the daily lives of the public.