Holding

The amendment of Rule 24 is a procedural rule that may be given retrospective effect under Section 72(3) of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968, and the High Court was not justified in striking it down or in quashing the licence suspensions.

Summary

The Andhra Pradesh Prohibition & Excise Superintendent raided toddy shops of the Toddy Tappers Cooperative Society and found adulterated toddy containing alprazolam. Licences were suspended after samples were sent to independent laboratories under an amended Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules, 1969, which was given retrospective effect. The respondents challenged the suspension, arguing that the amendment, being subordinate legislation, could not have retrospective effect and that the rule was substantive, not procedural. The High Court struck down the retrospective effect and quashed the licence suspensions. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that the amendment is procedural, may be given retrospective effect under Section 72(3) of the A.P. Excise Act, 1968, and that the High Court was not justified in overturning the suspension. The appeals were allowed, directing the State to proceed with the show‑cause notices and to lay the rule before the legislature as required.

Issues considered

Whether the High Court was justified in striking down the retrospective effect of the amended Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise Rules.
Whether the amended Rule 24 is procedural in nature and therefore capable of having retrospective effect.
Whether the High Court was justified in quashing the suspension of licences and the show‑cause notices issued to the toddy shop licencees.

Legislation cited

Subjects

adulterated toddyretrospective ruleexcise lawprocedural rulelicense suspensionpublic healthSection 72subordinate legislationindependent laboratoryArticle 20Article 21

Judgment

A PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. A.P. AND ORS.
v.
TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCIETY, MARREDPALLY AND ORS.

NOVEMBER 17, 2003

B [V.N. KHARE, CJ., S.B. SINHA AND DR. AR. LAKSHMANAN, JJ.]

A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules,
1969 with amendment made under Rule 24/A.P. Excise Act, 1968; Section 72:

C Suspension of Licenses of shopkeepers on ground of sale of adulterated
toddy-Testing of sample from any laboratory allowed with retrospective
effect by amending Rule 24--Challenge to-High Court quashed order of
suspension of licenses and struck down retrospective effect ofamended Rule-
On appeal, Held: Amendment in the Rule facilitate che171ical examination of
D samples by an independent laboratory to detect adulteration of toddy to
safeguard health of consumers-It also regulate sale of adulterated toddy-
Amendment in the rule amends the procedure-Not violative of any
Fundamental Right-Hence, it could be given retrospective effect-Provisions
of laying down of a sub-ordinate legislation/amendment in the rule before
both Houses of the Legislature are directory in nature-Not placing thereof
E would not vitiate the proceedings-High Court not justified in quashing
order of suspension of licenses and in striking down retrospective effect of
the amended Rule-Hence, liable to be interfered with-In the facts and
circumstances of the case, order of High Court set aside-Amended Rule may
be placed before the State legislature in compliance with the provisions of
F the Act-Authority directed to proceed further accordingly-Constitution of
India, 1950-Articles 20 and 21.

Appellant raided shops of respondent-members of Toddy Tapers Co-
operative Society and found some of them selling adulterated toddy. FIRs were
registered, samples of seized toddy got tested from laboratories after
G permission of the trial Court. Chemical analysis reports showed that samples
contained 'Alprawlem' a substance injurious to health. Authorities suspended
licenses of the shopkeepers/respondents. Respondents challenged the
suspension of the licenses and the High Court uphold the amendment of Rule
24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules

H 576
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. 577
but struck down the retrospective effect of the same and quashed the order of A
suspension of the licences. Hence the present appeals.

It was contended for the appellants that High Court erred in striking
down the retrospective effect of the amended Rule 24 of the Rules since the
rule was amended in public interest to detect and prevent selling of adulterated
toddy; that since the rule was procedural in nature, it could be given B
retrospective effect; and that the amended rule did not violate any provisions
of the Rules.

On behalf of the respondents, it was submitted that since the amended
Rule was not placed before the State Legislature, it was void and ineffective; C
that since the amendment was made by way of sub-ordinate legislation, it could
not have been given retrospective effect; and that as the Rule is a procedural
enactment, its retrospective effect would violate the provisions of the General
Clauses Act.

Allowing the appeals, the Court
D
HELD : Per Dr. Lakshmanan, J (for himself and CJJ) :

I.I. The primary object of amending the A.P. Excise Act was to regulate
sale of pure toddy without any adulteration of foreign ingredients or
substances which are highly injurious and endanger the lives of the toddy E
consuming public to safeguard their health. (585-G-H)

1.2. As per the amended provision of Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack
and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules, toddy samples drawn could
be sent to an independent laboratory for chemical examination. Even otherwise,
the Court had ordered samples to be sent to the independent laboratories for F
analysis. The procedure followed by the appellants in sending the samples to
independent laboratory was correct in accordance with the amended Rule of
the Rules. The amended rule is not violative of any Fundamental Right and it
was done with a laudable object of protecting the health of public at large and
that sending the samples to the independent Government laboratories is only
a procedural aspect. The amended Rule is procedural in nature and as such G
there is nothing illegal or wrong in giving retrospective effect.
(586-C-D; 587-A-B-C; Fl

1.3. Amended Rule of the Rules facilitated the authorities to send the
samples to well-equipped laboratories to detect and control adulteration of toddy H
578 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A effectively. Thus, the Government could get tested the samples from
independent laboratories in the larger public interest This apart, the High
Court has not noticed that even under the unamended Rule the authorities
could initiate inquiry after violation of the conditions of the licenses and
selling adulterated toddy and could take necessary action. Such rule having
retrospective effect is not violating any provisions of the Rules. High Court
B is not justified in striking down the retrospective effect of the Rule of the
Rules in the facts and circumstances of this case since the amended rule is
procedural in nature and as such retrospective effect can be given to the said
rule. So also the High Court is not justified in quashing the cancellation of
licenses and show cause notices for cancellation of licence. However, the
C appellants are at liberty to place the amended Rule before the State legislature
in accordance with Section 72(3) and (4) of the Act and to proceed further in
the matter in accordance with law. (587-G-H; 591-8; 592-B-C-DI

Per Sinha, J. (Supplementing):

D I.I. Laying down of a subordinate legislation before both Houses of the
Legislature is directory in nature. Sub-section (3) of Section 72 of the Act
merely provides for laying down the rules before both the Houses of the
Legislature with the reasons for giving retrospective effect (593-E; 595-E)

Mis. Atlas cycle Industries Ltd. and Ors. v. The State ofHaryana. ·(19791
E 2 SCC 196 and Quarry Owners' Association v. State ofBihar and Ors., (2000)
8 sec 655, relied on.

1.2. Sub sections (3) and (4) of Section 72 of the Act must be read in
such a manner that both may be given effect to. Sub-section (3) deals with
only a special situation, whereas sub-section (4) is general in nature. In the
F event, the negative resolution is adopted the rules will cease to have the force
oflaw. Difference between sub-sections (3) and (4) of Section 72 of the Act
lies in the fact that whereas in case the rule is given retrospectivity, the
members of both the Houses of the Legislature shall be apprised of the reasons
therefor, whereas in case the rule is prospective in nature, simple laying down
before both the Houses would serve the statutory object. (595-F-G)
G
Union of India v. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd.. &
Ors. etc., (2001) 6 SCC 307, distinguished.

1.3. In the instant case, the respondents have not been criminally
proceeded against. They have merely incurred a civil liability. Such a liability
H could be fastened on them irrespective of Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise Rules
PROHIBITION & EXCISESUPDT 1·. TODDY TAPPERS COOP SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN. J] 579

inasmuch in terms of the conditions of licence as also the Act and the Rules A
framed thereunder, the licensees are required to carry on their business in
liquor which would mean the liquor free from all types of adulteration. Such
goods should be fit for human consumption and not hazardous to health. It
was not necessary fort.he State to strictly adhere to Rule 24 of the Rules
inasmuch the right of an accused in terms of Articles 20 and 21 of the B
Constitution of India would not be attracted. Even if Rule 24 as amended is
held to have no retrospective effect, such a provision must be held to be
directory and non-compliance thereof would not vitiate the proceedings for
suspension of the licence as even in such a case, it would be open to the
respondents to get the sample tested by any other private laboratory of their
choict: for the purpose of showing that the allegations made against them are C
wrong. The respondents are thus in no manner prejudiced. A Licensee having
regard to public health cannot be permitted to escape liabilities only because
certain testing facilities are not available in the State Laboratories.
Considering the matter from that angle also, Rule 24 must be held to be
directory in nature. [597-E-F-G-H; 598-A-B)
D
CIVIL APPELLATE JURISDICTION : Civil Appeal No. 3630-3631 of
2003.

From the Judgment and Order dated I 0.1.2003 of the Andhra Pradesh
High Court in W.P. No. 19186 and 21096 of2002.
E
WITH

C.A. No. 4648-4653, 8123 and 8124 of2003.

Sudhir Chandra Aggarwal and Guntur Prabhakar for the Appellants.
F
K.K. Venugopal, S. Udaya Kumar Sagar, Ms. Bina Madhavan, Prasanth
P. and Ms. G. Indira for Mis. Lawyer's Knit & Co., for the Respondents.

The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

DR. AR. LAKSHMANAN, J. These appeals were filed by the Prohibition G
and Excise Superintendent of various divisions and districts of Andhra Pradesh
against the final judgment dated I 0.01.2003 of the High Court of Judicature,
Andhra Pradesh in Writ Petition Nos. 19186 and 21096 of 2002 etc. batch
wherein the High Court allowed the writ petitions filed by the respondents
herein, who are having licenses for selling toddy at their respective shops,
striking down the amended Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy H
580 SUPREME COURT REPORTS 12003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A Licenses General Conditions) Rules, 1969 (hereinafter referred to as 'the A.P.
Excise Rules') of its retrospective effect. The High Court held it as prospective
in its operation and quashed the suspension of licenses and show-cause
notices issued for cancellation with regard to the various toddy shops of the
'
respondents in this batch of appeals.

B The facts leading to these appeals being practically are the same, they
are being disposed of by this common judgment by consent of parties.
,_
The short facts leading to the filing of these appeals are as under:-

The respondents herein are all members of Toddy Tappers Cooperative
C Societies. On 26.08.2002, 42 shops were raided out of which 29 shops were
found to contain adulterated toddy on the spot and the F.1.Rs were registered.
As the Government Laboratories are not well equipped with sophisticated
technology for detecting adulteration, the concerned excise officials sought
permission of the trial Court for sending the samples to the Indian Institute
D of Chemical Technology and Forensic Sciences Laboratory, Hyderabad for
chemical analysis. The trial Court permitted and accordingly the samples were
sent to the above laboratories for chemical analysis. The above laboratories,
after chemical analysis, sent their reports stating that the toddy samples
contain Alprazolam, which substance is injurious to health. After receipt of
the above reports, the concerned Prohibition and Excise officials, by their
E various proceedings, suspended licenses of the respondents herein. The
respondents filed various writ petitions challenging the suspension order
before the High Court and contended that the instant chemical analysis at the
time of seizure does not disclose any adulteration and sending the samples
to the independent laboratories other than the Government laboratories is
F violative of Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise Rules. Counter affidavits and additional
counter affidavits were filed on behalf of the appellants herein before the High
Court explaining the legal and factual position. The Division Bench of the
High Court, by its common judgment, dated I 0.01.2003 while upholding the
amendment of Rule 24 struck down the same with regard to giving retrospective
effect and quashed the suspension of the licenses and show-cause notices
G for cancellation and allowed the writ petitions filed by the respondents herein
accordingly. The appellants herein filed Review Petition before the High Court
seeking review of the said order which was also dismissed by the High Court.
Aggrieved by the same, the State has preferred all the above appeals
questioning the correctness and legality of the order impugned in these
H appeals. The High Court, while allowing the writ petitions, has observed thus:
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN, J. J 58"!

'The learned senior counsel Mr. S. Ramachandra Rao further submitted A
at the bar that the amended rule cannot have a retrospective effect.
It was also pointed out that the amendment was made on 21.11.2002
by way of subordinate legislation and the subordinate legislation has
no retrospective effect and, therefore, the said amended rule has to
be struck down.
B
While rebutting the aforesaid arguments of the learned counsel
for the petitioners, the learned Advocate-General submitted at the bar
that the Government do not have a laboratory having sophisticated
machinery and equipment to analysis the toddy so as to ascertain
whether there is any type of adulteration or not, which is injurious to C
the health of the public at large and, therefore, the Government was
constrained to issue the aforesaid G.O. so that the Government officers
can send the sample drawn to the independent laboratory having
sophisticated machinery and equipment. This was done to protect the
health of the public at large and, therefore, it cannot be said to be
unreasonable and arbitrary. D
We agree with the submission made by the learned Advocate-
General that there may be laudable intention on the part of the
Government to protect the health of the public at large those who
were interested in consuming toddy. It being a subordinate legislation,
it cannot have retrospective effect. E
The learned counsel Mr. S. Ramachandra Rao further submitted
that the intention of taking the sample as laid down under the Act and
sending the same to the Government Laboratory is not only the
procedural aspect as submitted by the Advocate-General but it is a
substantive one as well as procedural law as contained in the Excise "F
Act.

We are not prepared to hold that the amended rule is violative of
any article. It was done with a laudable object of protecting the health
of the public at large. But it cannot have a retrospective effect.
Therefore, in our considered view that the suspension of licenses and G '
issuing show cause notices etc,, for cancelling the licenses are only
illegal and arbitrary and any other action taken by the respondents
against the petitioners under the A.P. Excise Act is also illegal and
arbitrary in the present situation."
H
582 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A In the above facts and circumstances, the following three questions
of law would emerge for our consideration:
(a) Whether the High Court is justified in striking down the
retrospective effect of Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and
Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules, 1969 in the facts and
B circumstances of the case which was amended in the larger
public interest;
(b) Whether the amended Rule is not procedural in nature and as
such can its retrospective effect be struck down;
(c) Whether the High Court is justified in quashing the suspension
c of licenses and show-cause notices in the facts and circumstances
of the case.

We heard the arguments of Mr. Sudhir Chandra Aggarwal, learned
senior counsel for the appellants and Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned senior
D counsel for the respondents. Learned senior counsel for the appellants
submitted that the High Court has erred in striking down amended Rule 24
of the A.P. Excise Rules of its retrospective effect in the facts and circumstances
of the case which was amended in the larger public interest and to detect and
prevent selling of adulterated toddy. According to learned senior counsel for
the appellants, the amended Rule 24 is procedural in nature and as such there
E is nothing illegality in it in giving retrospective effect. He would further
submit that the amended Rule 24 enables to send the samples to the
independent laboratories for analysis of the toddy and such rule having
retrospective effect is not violating any provisions of the said rules. According
to learned senior counsel for the appellants, the High Court has failed to
notice that the Government in its Memo dated 01.07.2002 permitted the
F Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise for sending the samples seized to the
independent laboratories for chemical analysis.

Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned senior counsel appearing for the licensees
submitted that G.O.Ms. No. 973 Revenue (Excise-II) Department dated 21.11.2002
G amending Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise Rules issued by the appellants cannot
have retrospective effect. According to him, Section 72 (3) of the A.P. Excise
Act, 1968 stipulates that any rule made under the Act may be made with
retrospective effect and when such a rule is made, the reasons for making the
rule shall be specified in a statement to be laid before both Houses of the
State Legislature. He would further submit that Section 72 (4) of the A.P.
H Excise Act mandates that every rule made under Section 72 of the Act, shall,
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. ''·TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN, J.) 583

immediately after it is made be laid before each House of the State Legislature A
if it is in Session and if it is not in Session, in the Session immediately
following for a total period of 14 days, which may be comprised in one
session or in two successive sessions and if before the expiration of the
session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following both
Houses agree in making any modification in the Rule or in the annulment of
the Rule. In the instant case, while amending Rule 24, the same was admittedly B
not placed before the State Legislature, which was in session from 17.02.2003
till 29.03.2003 as such G.O.Ms. 973 Revenue (Excise II) is void and ineffective.

Mr. Venugopal, learned senior counsel, further contended that the
amendment was made by way of subordinate legislation, which cannot have C
retrospective effect. The Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise Rules is not procedural
but confers substantial rights to the parties and, therefore, the enactment of
the Rule with retrospective effect violates Section 6 of the General Clauses
Act. He would further submit that the Metropolitan Magistrate exercised his
non-existent jurisdiction of referring the sample bottle to the Forensic Science
Laboratories and Indian Institute of Chemical Technology violating the then D
existing Rule 24, acting on the request of the authorities and as such the
aforesaid action is void ab initio and the said void action cannot confer any
rights to the appellants herein.

Before considering the rival submissions, it is useful to reproduce Rule
24 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules, E
I969, which read as follows:

"24. Drawal of Samples :- Any Excise Officer, not below the rank
of the sub-Inspector of Excise or Food Inspector appointed under the
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, shall be competent, any F
time, to take samples of arrack or toddy, in the possession of the
licensee or any other person storing arrack or toddy, for the purpose
of analysis. Such officer shall take three samples in the presence of
the licensee or his agent or any other person in-charge of the licensed
premises or who is found selling toddy in the said premises, after
conducting a Panchanama. The sample shall be sent to the Court with G
a requisition to send, one of the samples expeditiously to the Chemical
Examiner of the Excise Department having jurisdiction in the region,
in which licensed premises are situated, for chemical Examination. If
the sample sent to the Chemical Examiner/Laboratory is damaged, in
transit or otherwise before the completion of the analysis, the Court
H
584 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. S S.C.R.

A may be requested by the concerned officer to send a second sample,
to the Chemical Examiner/Laboratory. If the licensee desires that the
sample should be sent for analysis to an independent Laboratory, he
may apply to the Excise Superintendent within three days of the
drawal of the sample. In cases where the licensee or any one of his
Nowkamama holders was not present at the time of taking of samples,
B the licensee should apply within seven days. The application should
be accompanied by a demand draft for an amount sufficient to cover
the analysis charges. If no such application is filed within the requisite
time limit, the license shall not be entitled to seek analysis by an
independent laboratory thereafter. On receipt of the application within
c the time and with requisite demand draft, the concerned officer shall
request the Court to send a sample to the independent laboratory
chosen by the licensee."

The Government of Andhra Pradesh, as already noticed, by notification
issued in G.0.Ms. No. 973 Revenue (Excise-II), Department dated 21.11.2002
D amended Rule 24 providing to send the samples for independent laboratories
and the same was given retrospective effect w.e.f. 01.07.2002.

The amended Rule reads as follows:-"

In the said Rules, for Rule 24, the following shall be substituted namely:-
E
24. Drawal of Samples: Any Excise Officer, not below the rank of the
sub-Inspector of Excise or Food Inspector appointed under the
Prevention of Food Adulteration Act, 1954, shall be competent, any
time, to take samples of arrack or toddy, in the possession of the
licensee or any other person storing arrack or toddy, for the purpose
F of analysis. Such officer shall take three samples in the presence of
the licensee or his agent or any other person in-charge of the licensed
premises or who is found selling toddy in the said premises, after
conducting a Panchanama. The sample shall be sent to the Court with
a requisition to send, one of the samples expeditiously to the Chemical
Examiner of the Excise Department having jurisdiction in the region,
G
in which licensed premises are situated, or to any independent
laboratory as instructed by the Commissioner of Prohibition and Excise,
for chemical Examination. If the sample sent to the Chemical Examiner/
Laboratory is damaged, in transit or otherwise before th~ completion
of the analysis, the Court may be requested by the concerned officer
H to send a second sample, to the Chemical Examiner/Laboratory. If the
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN, J.] 585

licensee desires that the sample should be sent for analysis to an A
independent Laboratory, he may apply to the Excise Superintendent
within three days of the drawal of the sample. In cases where the
licensee or any one of his Nowkarnama holders was not present at the
time of taking of samples, the licensee should apply within seven
days. The application should be accompanied by a demand draft for
an amount suffici~nt to cover the analysis charges. If no such B
application is filed within the requisite time limit, the licensee shall not
be entitled to seek analysis by an independent laboratory thereafter.
On receipt of the application within the time and with requisite demand
draft, the concerned officer shall request the Court to send a sample
to the independent laboratory chosen by the licensee." C
We have perused the pleadings, annexures and the relevant rules Section
72 of the A.P. Excise Act and other relevant records. We have also perused
the report submitted (Annexure-P I) by the Indian Institute of Chemical
Technology. It was submitted by the respondents that the entire action is
vitiated by malafides and that the authorities are acting under the influence D
of some powerful lobby and that there is no provision in law enabling the
authorities to send the samples to unauthorised institution. We have already
extracted Rule 24 and the amended Rule and the decision of the Government.
The Government in order to contain the menace of adulteration of toddy and
in order to implement the policy guidelines to curb the adulteration of toddy E
crimes felt necessary to check the toddy shops and raw samples by utilising
the services of the prohibition and excise officers for analysis. It was argued
on behalf of the State that there is no facility in the Regional Science Labor·tory
to identify the adulterants like Alprazolam etc. in the toddy and hence the
Commissioner, P& E vide his proceedings dated 18.05.2002 addressed the
Government seeking the permission to send the toddy samples drawn to F
different independent laboratories having sophisticated equipment for analysis
and identified the possible adulterants in the toddy like Alprazolam, the
consumption of which is highly injurious to health. Accordingly, the
Government vide Memo No. 320726/Excise-11/212002-1 dated 01.07.2002 permitted
the Commissioner to send the toddy samples drawn to independent
laboratories for analysis in conformity with the policy and purpose of the Act, G
directions were issued to the subordinate officers. Thus, it is seen that the
primary object is to regulate sale of pure toddy without any adulteration of
foreign ingredients or substances which are highly injurious and endanger to
the lives of the toddy consuming public. A request was made to the concerned
Courts to send the samples for chemical analysis and the Magistrate concerned H
586 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A have ordered to send the sample bottles one each to the independent
laboratories for analysis. As per the analysis reports received, it is proved
that Alprazolam is present in 28 cases and in the remaining cases the toddy
is found free from other foreign substances and as such authorities issued
orders suspending the licenses of 29 toddy shops pending inquiry where
B adulteration is noticed in order to prevent the licensee from indulging in the
sale of adulterated toddy any further and to safeguard the health of toddy
consuming public.

We have already noticed that the impugned orders were challenged on
various grounds on the orders passed by tile High Court. In our opinion, as
C per the amended provision of Rule 24 which have come into force w.e.f.
01.07 .2002 vide G.O.Ms. 973 dated 21.11.2002 as instructed by the Commissioner
of P & E, toddy samples drawn under the said Rule can be sent to an
independent laboratory for chemical examination. Even otherwise, the Court
had ordered samples to be sent to the A.P. Forensic Science Laboratories, Red
Hills, Hyderabad and the Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad. The
D Department had made out a case that the licensees to toddy shops have
violated the provisions of the A.P. Excise Act and the Rules and the licence
conditions by selling adulterated toddy with Alprazolam which is injurious to
public health as immediate action was warranted to prevent the licensee from
indulging in sales of adulterated toddy any further. The samples were sent
E to the independent laboratories as per the amended provision. It is stated that
Alprazolam is a notified drug under NDPS Act included at serial no. 30 of the
schedule to Clause XIII of Section 2 and the licensees of toddy shops have,
therefore, violated the provisions of Section 8(c) of the NDPS Act, 1985. The
licensees have also violated the provisions of Rule 5 of the A.P. Excise
"Trapping of Trees on toddy shops special condition licence" Rules, 1969 and
F Rule 11 of the A.P. Excise (Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions)
Rules, 1969 by mixing Alprazolam in toddy which was found in the toddy kept
for sale and, therefore, the licensees have rendered themselves liable for
action under the provisions of the A.P. Excise Act. It is seen from the counter
affidavit filed by the appellants herein that they have totally denied the
G allegations made in the affidavit filed in the writ petition and stated that it is
not possible to detect the adulterants like Allprazolam toddy sample in the
Government laboratory and in such circumstances the Commissioner addressed
the Government seeking permission to send the toddy samples drawn to
different independent laboratories having sophisticated equipment for analysis
and identified the possible adulterants in the toddy like Alprazolam
H consumption of which is highly injurious to health of toddy consuming
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. '"TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY [LAKSHMANAN, J.] 587

public. Accordingly, the Government on 01.07.2002 permitted the Commissioner A
P & E to send the samples drawn to independent laboratories for analysis and
the samples were found adulterant like Alprazolam by the laboratories. The
procedure followed by the appellants in sending the samples to independent
laboratory is correct in accordance with the amended Rule 24 of the A.P.
'Excise which came into force with retrospective effect from 01.07.2002. This,
in our opinion, was done to protect the health of the public at large and, B
therefore, it cannot be said to be unreasonable and arbitrary. The intention
of the Government is laudable since the same has been done to protect the
health of the public at large. It is also a settled law by catena of decisions
of this Court that no citizen has got any fundamental right for the trade in
liquor and it is for the Government to evolve the excise policy and implement C
the same in the interest of the public and safeguard the public. There is no
merit in the submission of the learned senior counsel for the respondent that
the amended provision being the subordinate legislation cannot have
retrospective effect. In our opinion, the amended rule is not violative of any
article and it was done with a laudable object of protecting the health of
public at large and .that sending the samples to the independent Government D
laboratories is only a procedural aspect. Therefore, in our opinion, the order
passed by the High Court is liable to be interfered with and we do so
accordingly. The High Court has wrongly struck down the amended provision
of Rule 24 and quashed the suspension of the licenses and show-cause
notices for cancellation and allowed the writ petitions of the respondents E
accordingly. This apart, the amendment was made in the larger public interest
and to detect and prevent selling of adulterated toddy. In our view, the
amended Rule 24 is procedural in nature and as such there is nothing illegal
or wrong in giving retrospective effect. The High Court, in our view, has failed
to notice that Rule 24 only enables the authorities to send the samples to the
independent laboratories for analysis of the toddy and such rule having F
retrospective effect is not violating any provisions of the said rules or the
pr~visions of the Act. It is also not in dispute that the Government laboratories
are not well equipped with sophisticated technology to detect adulteration.
The rule was amended providing for sending the samples to the well-equipped
laboratories to detect and control adulteration of toddy effectively. Thus, we G
are of the opinion that the Government can get tested the samples from
independent laboratories also in the light of the amended Rule 24 which is
in the larger public interest. This apart, the High Court has not noticed that
even under the unamended Rule 24 the authorities can initiate inquiry after
violation of the conditions of the licenses and selling adulterated toddy and
can take necessary action and, therefore, the High Court ought not to have H
588 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A quashed the suspension of licenses and the show-cause notices for
cancellation.

We shall now consider the argument of Mr. K.K. Venugopal in regard
to Section 72(3) of the A.P. Excise Act which stipulates that any rule made
under the Act may be made with retrospective effect and when such a rule
B is made, the reason for making the rule shall be specified in a statement to
be laid before both Houses of the State Legislature. Our attention was also
invited to Section 72(4) of the said Act which mandates that every rule made
under Section 72 of the Act shall immediately be laid before each Houses of
the State Legislature if it is in session and if it is not in session in the session
C immediately following. Section 72 of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968
reads as under:

"72. Power to make rules:-

(I) The Government may, by notification make rules for carrying out
D all or any of the purposes of this Act.

(2) In particular and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing
provision, the Government may make rules-,
(a) prescribing the powers and duties of Prohibition and. Excise
Officers;
E
(b) regulating the delegation of any power by the Commissioner or
the Collector or the Prohibition and Excise Superintendent under
Section 8;
(c) prescribing the time and manner of presenting appeals and the
p procedure for dealing with appeals;
(d) regulating the import, export, transport, manufacture, cultivation,
possession, supply or storage of any intoxicant and may, by
such rules, among other matters-
(i) regulate the tapping of excise trees, the drawing of toddy
G from such excise trees, the making of the same and the
maintenance of such marks;

(ii) declare the process by which spirit shall be denatured and
the denaturation of spirit ascertained;

H (iii) cause spirit to be denatured through the agency or under the
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN, J.J589

supervision of its own officers; and A
(iv) regulating the drawing of neera and the sale thereof;

(e) regulating the periods and localities in which and the persons or
classes of persons to whom, licences for the wholesale or retail
sale or buying of any intoxicant, may be granted and regulating B
the number of such licences which may be granted in any area;

(f) prescribing the procedure to be followed and the matters to be
ascertained before any licence for such sale or buying is granted
for any locality;

(g) regulating the time, place and manner of payment of any duty or C
fee and the taking of security for the due payment of any duty
or fee:
(gg) specifying the factors which should be taken into consideration
for according or withholding approval under Section 24 and the
period within which, and the manner in which such approval shall D
be accorded or withheld.
(h) prescribing the authority by which, the form in which and the
terms and conditions on the subject to which any licence or
permit shall be granted or issued and may, by rules, among other
matters- E
(i) fix the period for which any licence or permit shall continue
to be in force;

(ii) prescribe the scale of fees of the manner of fixing the fees
payable in respect of any lease, licence or permit, or the
storing of any excisable article; F
(fu) prescribe the amount of security to be deposited by the
holders of any licence or permit for the performance of the
conditions of the same;

(iv) prescribe the accounts to be maintained and the returns to G
be submitted by licence holders;

(v) prohibit or regulate the transfer of licences; and

(vi) prescribe the ages under which it shall be unlawful to employ
children and to sell or give to children excisable articles; H
590 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A (i) providing for the destruction or other disposal of any intoxicant
deemed to be unfit for use;
0) regulating disposal of confiscated articles;
(k) regulating the grant of expenses to witnesses and to persons
charged with offences under the Act, and subsequently released
B or acquitted;
(I) regulating the powers of Prohibition and Excise Officers to summon
witnesses;
(m) prescribing the tax payable to the Government in respect of
C excise trees from which toddy is drawn;
(n) constituting mobile courts of Magistrates in consultation with
the High Court, for the trial of offences against any provisions
of this Act or the rules or orders made thereunder;
(o) any other matter that may be prescribed under this Act;
D (3) Any rule under this Act may be made with retrospective effect and
when such a rule is made the reasons for making the rule shall be
specified in a statement to be laid before both Houses of the State
Legislature.

(4) Every rule made under this Act, shall, immediately after it is made
E
be laid before each House of the State Legislature if it is in session
and if it is not in session, in the session immediately following for a
total period of fourteen days which may be comprised in one session
or in two successive sessions and if before the expiration of the
session in which it is so laid or the session immediately following
F both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or in the
annulment of the rule, the rule shall, from the date on which the
modification or annulment is notified, have effect only in such modified
form or shall stand annulled, as the case may be, so however that any
such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the
validity of any thing previously done under that rule.
G
Section 72 deals with the Government's power to make Rules for carrying
out all or any of the purposes of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968. Sub-
section (3) of Section 72 of the A.P. Excise Act, 1968 confers power on the
State Government to give retrospective effect to Rules made thereunder.
H
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [LAKSHMANAN, J.159 J

We have already elaborately discussed about the retrospectivity given A
to Rule 24 in paragraphs supra. Rule 24 has been amende!I by the Government
in order to curb menace of adulteration of toddy and in order to implement
the policy guidelines to curb the adulteration of toddy crimes and also to
check the toddy shops and draw samples by utilising the services of the
prohibition and excise officers for analysis. Rule 24 has been amended in the
larger public interest which enables the officials to send the samples to the B
independent laboratories for analysis of the toddy. Such rule having
retrospective effect is not violating any provisions of the said Rules.
Retrospectivity given to Rule 24, in our opinion, is consistent with Section
72(3) of the A.P. Excise Act, 1968.

Mr. Venugopal submitted even though the legislature was in session C
from 17.02.2003 till 29.03.2003 the amended rule was not placed before the
legislature and, therefore, the said rule is void and ineffective. This argument
has no merit and basis. To appreciate the above argument, the following dates
may be noticed.
D
26.082002 Inspection by the officials

26.09.2002 & 09.10.2002 Writ petitions were filed in the HC

30.112002 Show-causes notices were issued

21.112002 G.O.M.S. 973 was issued amending E
rules which comes into force with
retrospective effect from 01.07.2002.

10.012003 HC allowed the writ petitions filed
by the respondents holding the F
action initiated by the appellants
as illegal and quashed the
suspension of licenses and the
show-cause notices for cancelling
the licence.
G
It was argued by the learned senior counsel for the appellants that since
the writ petitions were filed on 26.09.2002 and 09.10.2002 in the High Court,
the amended rule could not be placed before the State Legislature. This apart,
the High Court has allowed the writ petition filed by the respondents herein
on I0.01.2003 itself, no useful purpose would be served in placing the amended
rule before the legislature which was in session on 17.02.2003 till 29.03.2003. H
592 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A The said order is set aside by the appropriate forum. In view of the above
factual position, the amended rule could not be placed before the State
legislature and there is every justification for the appellants for not placing
the same before the joint legislature. In fact, the Government has challenged
the impugned order passed by the High Court by filing a Special Leave
B Petition in this Court on 24.03.2003 itself. We, therefore, hold that the High
Court is not justified in striking down the retrospective effect of Rule 24 of
the A.P. Excise Rules, I969 in the facts and circumstances of this case which
was amended in the larger public interest and that the amended rule is
procedural in nature and as such retrospective effect can be given to the said
rule. We also hold that the High Court is not justified in quashing the
C cancellation of licenses and show cause notices for cancellation of licence in
the facts and circumstances of the case. In view of this judgment, the appellants
are at liberty to place the amended Rule 24 before the State legislature in
accordance with Section 72(3) and (4) of the said Act. The Government is also
at liberty to proceed further pursuant to the show cause notices issued and
dispose of the matter in accordance with law and after affording opportunity
D to the respondents herein.
For the foregoing reasons, all the orders passed by the High Court in
writ petitions filed by the respondents are set aside and all the appeals filed
by the appellants herein stand allowed reserving liberty to the appellants
E herein to proceed further pursuant to the show cause notices issued and
decide the matter in accordance with law after affording opportunity to the
respondents. No costs.

S.B. SINHA, J. Section 72 of the Andhra Pradesh Excise Act, 1968
provides for rule making power. Sub-sections (3) and (4) of Section 72 of the
F Act read as under :
"(3) Any rule under this Act may be made with retrospective effect
and when such a rule is made the reasons for making the rule
shall be specified in a statement to be laid before both Houses
of the State Legislature.
G (4) Every rule made under this Act, shall, immediately after it is made
be laid before each House of the State Legislature if it is in
session and if it is not in session, in the session immediately
following for a total period of fourteen days which may be
comprised in one session or in two successive sessions and if
H before the expiration of the session in which it is so laid or the
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [S.B. SINHA, J.] 593

session immediately following both Houses agree in making any A
modification in the rule or in the annulment of the rule, the rule
shall, from the date on which the modification or annulment is
notified, have effect only in such modified form or shall stand
annulled, as the case may be, so however that any such
modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity B
of anything previously done under that rule."

Sub-section (3) of Section 72 of the Act, therefore, confers power on
the State to give retrospective effect to rules made thereunder, subject to the
fulfillment of the legal requirements.

The submission of Mr. K.K. Venugopal, learned Senior Counsel appearing C
on behalf of the respondents, is that it was not only mandatory to lay the
said rule before both Houses of the State Legislatures inasmuch not only
reasons for making the same with retrospective effect are to be assigned but
also approval of the Houses was required to be obtained.
D
Strong reliance, in this behalf, has been placed on Union of India etc.
v. National Hydroelectric Power Corporation Ltd. and Ors. etc., [2001] 6
SCC307.

The submission of the learned counsel cannot be accepted for more
than one reason. E
Laying down of a subordinate legislation before both Houses of the
Legislature is directory in nature.

In Mis Atlas Cycle Industries Ltd. and Ors. v. The State of Haryana,
[I 979] 2 sec· 196, this court noticed that there are three different laying F
clauses which assure different forms depending on the degree of control
which the Legislature may like to exercise, namely, -

(i) Laying without further procedure,

(ii) Laying subject to negative resolution,
G
(iiO Laying subject to affirmative resolution.

Upon considering a large number of Indian and English decisions, it
was held:

"From the foregoing discussion, it inevitably follows that the H
594 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A Legislature never intended that non-compliance with the requirement
of laying as envisaged by sub-section (6) of Section 3 o(the Act
should render the order void. Consequently non-laying of the aforesaid
notification fixing the maximum selling prices of various categories of
iron and steel including the commodity in question before both Houses
of Parliament cannot result in nullification of the notification ... "
B
Yet again in Quarry Owners' Association v. State of Bihar and Ors.,
(2000] 8 SCC 655, a Division Bench of this Court observed :

"In a democratic set-up, every State Government is responsible to its
State Legislature. When any statute requires mere laying of any
c notification or rule before the legislature its executive, viz., the State
Government comes under the scrutiny of the legislature concerned.
Every function and every exercise of power, by the State Government
is under one or the other Ministry which in tum is accountable to the
legislature concerned. Where any document, rule or notification
requires placement before any House or when placed, the said House
D
inherently gets the jurisdiction over the same, each member of the
House, subject to its procedure gets the right to discuss the same,
they may put questions to the Ministry concerned. Irrespective of the
fact that such rules or notifications may not be under the purview of
its modification, such Members may seek explanation from such
E Ministry of their inaction, arbitrariness, transgressing limits of their
statutory orbit on any such other matter. Short of modification power,
it has a right even to condemn the Ministry. No doubt in the case
where the House is entrusted with power to annul, modify or approve
any rule, it plays a positive role and has full control over it, but even
where the matter is merely placed before any House, its positive
F
control over the executive makes even mere laying to play a very vital
and forceful role which keeps a check over the State Government
concerned. Even if submission for the appellants is accepted that mere
placement before a House is only for information, even then such
information, inherently in it makes the legislature to play an important
G role as aforesaid for keeping a check on the activity of the State
Government. Such placement cannot be construed to be non est. No
act of Parliament should be construed to be of having no purpose. As
we have said, mere discussion and questioning the Ministry concerned
or authority in the House in respect of such laying would keep such
authority on guard to act with circumspection which is a check on
H
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [S.B. SINHA, J.] 595
such authority, specially when such authority is even otherwise A
answerable to such legislature ..."

It was further observed :

"We also find there are few provisions in our Constitution which
require mere laying before Parliament. Article 151 requires laying of B
the report of the Comptroller and Auditor General of India before each
House of Parliament and with reference to the State, to be laid before
the legislature of the State. Article 338(5) requires placing of the report
of the Commission before each House of Parliament and with reference
to the State Government, under sub-article (7) it is required to be laid
before the legislature of the State. Though they are mere provisions C
for mere laying before Parliament, but it is always open to any Member
of the House to discuss and comment on the said report."

It was, inter alia, concluded :

"(d) Requirement of mere placement of the rules or the notifications D
before the State Legislature is also one of the forms of check on the
State Government to exercise its powers as a delegatee."

Sub-section (3) of Section 72 of the Act merely provides for laying
down the rules before both the houses of the Legislature with the reasons
for giving a retrospective effect. The said provision does not speak of the E
necessity to obtain permission or prior approval therefor by the houses of the
Legislature. Only in the event the Legislature is not satisfied with the sufficiency
or otherwise of the reasons assigned, it may direct that the same would
operate prospectively. Sub-sections (3) and (4) of Section 72 must be read in
such a manner that both may be given effect to. Sub-section (3) deals with F
only a special situation, whereas sub-section (4) is general in nature. In the
event, a negative resolution is adopted the Rules will cease to have the force
of law. Difference between sub-sections (3) and (4) of Section 72 lies in the
fact that whereas in case the rule-is given retrospectivity, the members of both
the houses of the Legislature shall be apprised of the reasons therefor,
whereas in case of the rule which is prospective in nature, simple laying down G
before both the Houses would serve the statutory object.

In National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (supra), this Court was
dealing with a different type of rule making power, viz. Section 16 of the Water
(Prevention and Control of .Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 which reads as under: H
596 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003] SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A "16. Power to amend Schedule I. - (I) The Central Government may,
by notification in the Official Gazette, add to Schedule I any industry
having regard to the consumption of water in the carrying on of such
industry and the consequent discharge thereof resulting in pollution
of any stream and thereupon Schedule I shall, subject to the provisions
of sub-section (2), be deemed to be amended accordingly.
B
(2) Every such notification shall be laid before each House of
Parliament, if it is sitting, as soon as may. be· after the issue of the
notification, and if it is not sitting, within seven days of its reassembly
and the Central Government shall seek the approval of Parliament to
the notification by a resolution moved within a period of fifteen days
c beginning with the day on which the notification is so laid before the
House of the People, and if Parliament makes any modification in the
notification or directs that the notification should cease to have effect,
the notification shall thereafter have effect only in such modified fonn
or be of no effect, as the case may be, but without prejudice to the
D validity of anything previously done thereunder."

In that case, therefore, laying of the Rules before both the Houses was
held to be subject to affinnative resolution.

Interpreting the said provision, it was observed :
E
" ... Mere perusal of sub-section (2) shows that there has to be a
positive act of approval by Parliament to the issuance of the notification
before it can be held that Schedule I has been amended. Merely laying
the notification before each House of Parliament is not sufficient
c9mpliance within the provisions of Section 16(2). There is of course
F no time-limit within which the Houses of Parliament are required to
pass a resolution once the Central Government has sought approval
as contemplated by sub-section (2), but in the present case the
pleadings disclose that no such approval was in fact sought for. "

(Emphasis sought for)
G
The said observations, thus, must be held to be confined to the fact of
the matter obtaining therein. In that case it was found as of fact that the rule
had never been placed before the Legislature and, thus, there was even no
substantial compliance of the law. The Bench, however, did not consider the
effect of the <µrectory nature of such a provision, in the light of the decision
H of this Court in Mis Atlas Cycle Industries (supra) and Quarry Owners'
PROHIBITION & EXCISE SUPDT. v. TODDY TAPPERS COOP. SOCY. [S.B. SINHA, J.] 597

Association (supra). The Court further did not notice the difference between A
the expressions 'approval' and 'permission'. Section 16 of the Water Act,
construction whereof was in question did not use the expression 'prior
approval'. The word 'approval' indicates that an Act which has already been
made and is required to be approved whereas in the case of 'permission', the
situation would be different. This aspect of the matter has been considered B
by this Court in High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan v. P.P. Singh and
Anr., [2003] 4 SCC 239 stating :

"When an approval is required, an action holds good. Only if it is
disapproved it losses its force. Only when a permission is required,
the decision does not become effective till permission is obtained. C
(See U.P. Avas Evam Vikas Parishad and Anr. v. Friends Coop.
Housing Society Ltd and Anr., [1995] Supp. 3 SCC 456. In the instant
case both the aforementioned requirements have been fulfilled."

Furthermore, in the instant case, the respondents have not been
criminally proceeded against. They have merely incurred a civil liability. Such D
a liability could be fastened on them irrespective of Rule 24 of the A.P. Excise
(Arrack and Toddy Licenses General Conditions) Rules, 1969 inasmuch in
terms of the conditions of licence as also the Act and the Rules framed
thereunder, the licensees are required to carry on their business in liquor
which would mean the liquor free from all types of adulteration. Such goods
should be fit for human consumption and not hazardous to health. For the E
said purpose, it was not necessary for the State to strictly adhere to Rule 24
of the Rules inasmuch the right of an accused in terms of Articles 20 and 21
of the Constitution of India would not be attracted in such a case. Even if
Rule 24 as amended is held to have no retrospective effect, such a provision
must be held to be directory and non-compliance thereof would not vitiate F
the proceedings for suspension of the licence as even in such a case, it would
be open to the. respondents herein to get the sample tested by any other
private laboratory bf their choice for the purpose of showing that the allegations
made against them are wrong. The respondents, thus, in no manner are
prejudiced. They in the proceedings initiated against them would be entitled
~~~~~~~ G
By reason of such a rule no substantive right of the appellants is
affected inasmuch licences granted to the licensees are subject to the terms
and conditions laid down therein whereby strict adherence to the provisions
of the Act or the Rules framed thereunder would be implicit.
H
598 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [2003) SUPP. 5 S.C.R.

A Furthermore, admittedly the laboratories owned by the State did not
have the requisite facilities for testing drugs. A Licensee having regard to
public health cannot be permitted to escape his liabilities only because certain
testing facilities are not available in the State Laboratories. We have no doubt
in our mind that considering the matter from that angle, Rule 24 must be held
to be directory in nature.
B
I may further observe that the observations made in the accompanying
judgment of Dr. Lakshmanan, J. to the effect that it is also a settled law by
a catena of decisions of this Court that no citizen has got any fundamental
right for the trade in liquor and it is for the Government to evolve the excise
C policy and implement the same in the interest of the public and safeguard the
public may not have much relevance in the fact situation obtaining herein and
more so when the said question is pending consideration before the
Constitution Bench.

Subject to the aforementioned, I respectfully agree with the conclusion
D arrived at by Brother Lakshmanan, J. that the appeals be allowed.

S.K.S. Appeals allowed.