PURTABPORE CO. LTD. vs CANE COMMISSIONER OF BIHAR & ORS.

The Supreme Court ruled that the Cane Commissioner’s order under Clause 6(1) of the Sugar Cane (Control) Order, 1955, was invalid as it was made under the direction of the Chief Minister, thus violating the statutory power vested in the Cane Commissioner. The Court emphasized that such orders are quasi-judicial and must adhere to the principles of natural justice, which were not followed in this case. Consequently, the Court set aside the impugned orders and upheld the appellant's claim to the sugarcane supply from the reserved area.