Chitra vs State Of Kerala & Ors

The Supreme Court held that under Rule 14 of the Foreign Liquor Rules, a licensee is entitled to pay only the proportionate annual fee for the year 1999-2000 if the license was granted mid-year and the delay was not due to the licensee's fault. The Court emphasized the principle 'Actus curiae neminem gravabit', asserting that an act of court should not prejudice the licensee. The appeal was allowed, permitting the appellant to pay the balance fee without interest on delayed payments, reversing the High Court's decision.