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14. The proposition in Manickchand3 was reiterated by a Constitution Bench in Andhra Industrial Works v. Chief Controller of Exports4. While observing that the Import Control Policy statement contained in what was known as Red Book was not statutory, the Court observed: (SCC p. 352, para 11)
No person can merely on the basis of such a Statement claim a right to the grant of an import licence, enforceable at law. Moreover, such a policy can be changed, rescinded or altered by mere administrative orders or executive instructions issued at any time.
The Court held further: (SCC pp. 352-53, para 12)
From the counter-affidavit filed on behalf of the respondents, it is clear that the Import Trade Control Policy (Red Book Vol. I) had been amended and the import of the materials in question for utilization in the end products of most automobile parts was prohibited as per instructions conveyed by Chief Controller of Imports and Exports in his letter No. IPC (Gen. 33)/73/72/3499, dated 29-9-1972, although general notice of this amendment was published later on 18-8-1973 (Vide Annexure R-5). The result was that in accordance with the amended Import Trade Control Policy, the respondent could not, in November 1972, grant the licences applied for to the petitioners in respect of the past period, April 1969-March 1970.
(2) State of T.N. v. Hind Stone, (1981) 2 SCC 205 :