B.K.AGGARWAL vs STATE OF ORISSA

The Supreme Court examined the provisions of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, particularly Section 3(1) and Section 3(2)(d), which empower the Central Government to regulate the production, supply, and distribution of essential commodities. The Court held that the Orissa Rice and Paddy Control Order, 1965, issued under these provisions, is valid and that any contravention of its terms is punishable under Section 7 of the Act. The judgment affirmed the legality of licensing requirements for dealers in rice and paddy, emphasizing the necessity of such regulations for equitable distribution and fair pricing.