Source: Hueiyen News Service
Imphal, November 18 2010:
An approximate 11.3 kilolitre of diesel seized by the authority of sub-divisional officer, Lamphel from an illegal individual storing has been ordered to be sold and made available to the public through an authorized retailer.
An order in this regard was issued today by the SDO, Lamphel while announcing the confiscation of the item from the house of Ningombam Meghachandra, a resident of Kakwa Selungba Leikai authorized as a dealer by M/S Phulchand & Trilokchand (PCTC) to collect the said quantity of 11.3 KL of HSD.
The SDO during a spot inspection found the item stored in the custody of Meghachandra and he has been served notice to explain by November 17 in writing and in person why the item should not be confiscated.
Two persons appeared the SDO's office on behalf of Meghachandra but failed to give any satisfactory reply to why the said quantity of diesel was stored without any storage licence.
Since the item was found stored without a licence, there has been a contravention of the order made under section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.All the more serious in the case is the fact that the situation in Manipur is that people are clamouring for fuel in order to meet basic needs and requirements.
Storing of HSD in huge quantities without licence is something which cannot be taken lightly, the SDO observed in his order declaring the seized item as contraband.
The SDO also observed that examples must be set in order to have some deterrent effect to discourage similar acts in future by other persons who have resort to such acts which are against the law.
Public interest dictates that the said seized commodities be sold and made available to the public to minimize the hardship of all people of the scarcity of fuel.