Heard learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned counsel for the respondents.

2. In both these Writ Petitions, notices issued by the National Anti-Profiteering Authority (GST) (4th respondent) on 16.12.2019 and 24.12.2019 and notices dt.8.7.2019 issued to both petitioners by the Director General of Anti-Profiteering (2nd respondent) are assailed.

3. A similar writ petition i.e. W.P. No.18660 of 2020 assailing a similar notice had been disposed of by our Division Bench on 10.03.2021 directing the respective petitioners to submit explanation to the notice issued by the 4th respondent within four (4) weeks and permitting the petitioner to take all defences available to him at law in the said explanation. The 4th respondent was directed to consider the explanation submitted by the petitioner and pass a reasoned order in accordance with law and communicate it to the petitioner. It was also mentioned that in the event the petitioner seeks a hearing either virtually or physically before the 4th respondent, such request be considered by 4th respondent.

4. Counsel on either side state that these two Writ Petitions i.e. W.P. No.2588 of 2020 and W.P. No.3087 of 2020 be also disposed of with similar directions. Counsel for the petitioners requested that instead of four (4) weeks time, eight (8) weeks time be given for submitting the explanations in view Covid-19 pandemic situation prevailing in the country.

5. Having regard to the said submissions of both sides, these two Writ Petitions are also disposed of directing the respective petitioners to submit explanations to the notices dated 16.12.2019 and 24.12.2019 issued by the 4th respondent within a period of eight (8) weeks from today. The petitioners are also permitted to take all defences available to them at law in the said explanations. The 4th respondent is directed to consider the same and pass a reasoned order in accordance with law and communicate it to the petitioners. In the event the petitioners seek a hearing either virtually or physically before the 4th respondent, such request be considered by 4th respondent.

6. We make it clear that we have not made any observations on the contentions of either of the parties. The interim orders granted earlier shall stand vacated.

7. Both the writ petitions are disposed of accordingly.

8. Pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall also stand dismissed. No costs.