Delhi High Court Dismisses Lawsuit by Pakistani Firm Against Indian Government’s Rice Exports of ‘Super Basmati’
Published on: December 4, 2023.
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Delhi High Court Dismisses Lawsuit Filed by Pakistani Entities Seeking Injunction Against Indian Government
In a recent development, the Delhi High Court has closed the proceedings in a lawsuit filed by Pakistani entities against the Indian government. The suit sought an injunction to prevent the government from allowing the export of rice under the trade name ‘Super Basmati’. The court dismissed the suit for non-prosecution due to the non-appearance and lack of effective prosecution since 2020.
The Pakistani entities involved in the suit were the Trading Corporation of Pakistan Private Limited, Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan, and Basmati Growers Association. These entities filed the suit in 2008 and are owned by the Pakistan Government’s Ministry of Commerce.
The plea filed by these entities sought a permanent injunction against the Government of India, directing them not to permit the export of evolved Basmati rice or any rice from India under the name, variety, classification, or trade name of ‘Super Basmati’.
Throughout the proceedings, the High Court framed issues and completed the evidence on behalf of the Pakistani entities. On the government’s side, the Director of the Ministry of Commerce appeared and was cross-examined in April 2019. However, there was no appearance from the Pakistani entities since September 3, 2020, and their counsel sought discharge from the matter without filing a discharge application.
During a hearing on November 2, 2021, the High Court directed the Government of India to produce all relevant documents and requested a competent official from the Ministry of Commerce to be present in court for the next hearing. On November 28, the officials complied with the court’s order and appeared in court.
The counsel for the Government of India informed the court that the seed production of all varieties of Basmati rice is restricted to specific geographical indication (GI) registered areas. These areas include Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir.
After considering the submissions, the High Court recorded the stand of the Government of India and stated that no further orders were necessary in the suit. As a result, the plea was dismissed for non-prosecution.
Source: [News9live](https://www.news9live.com)
