153 F.2d 614 | Emer. Ct. App. | 1946
In a complaint filed under Section 204 (a) of the Emergency Price Control Act, 50 U.S.C.A.Appendix, § 924(a), complain
In discussing this contention, we should bear in mind that with the propriety of complainant’s classification as such, involving, as it does, interpretation and application of the regulations to him, this court is not concerned. Those questions are left to the District Court for determination in enforcement or declaratory actions. Collins, et al. v. Bowles, Em.App., 152 F.2d 760; Conklin Pen Co. v. Bowles, Em.App., 152 F.2d 764, Jan. 11, 1946; Marlene Linens v. Bowles, Em.App., 144 F.2d 874; Veillette v. Bowles, Em.App., 150 F.2d 862.
We are primarily concerned with whether the method and procedure by which the Administrator determines his classifications is of such character as to deprive complainant of his day in court, upon questions vitally affecting his interests. Obviously, if the prescribed procedure is such as to amount to deprivation of due process of law, the regulations are unconstitutional unless complainant has a complete remedy in congressional provisions. As we view this case this is the only question properly within our province.
True it is that the regulations require complainant to obtain from those who are retailers under the same roof with him, information as to the amount of their annual sales; and true it is that there may be instances in which the personal relationship of these retailers is such that they will not willingly cooperate and that it is, therefore, impossible for one to obtain from the others true statements of sales. Indeed, it is asserted by complainant that such a situation existed here and that he was unable to obtain true information as to total volume of sales of the meat retailer. Complainant also relies upon the fact that the Administrator refused to permit him to have subpoenas for the other retailers so that he might examine them. Instead of authorizing such subpoenas, the Administrator procured the affidavits of the other retailers and incorporated them in the record and afforded complainant time within which to rebut the evidence. Complainant did not renew his request for subpoenas or supply any evidence controverting the amounts of sales attested by the other retailers. Does such method of procedure on the part of the Administrator amount to violation of due process of law or is complainant afforded under the Acts of Congress a complete remedy so that it can not be said that he is at any time robbed of his day in court?
The Constitution “guarantees no particular form of procedure; it protects substantial rights.” National Labor Relations Board v. MacKay Radio & Telegraph Co., 304 U.S. 333, 58 S.Ct. 904, 913, 82 L.Ed. 1381. Cf. Morgan v. United States, 298 U.S. 468, 56 S.Ct. 906, 80 L.Ed. 1288. It requires that there shall be a hearing at which each party can be heard and by virtue of which substantial enjoyment of his constitutional rights is preserved. The Declaratory Judgment Act,
The propriety of the classification as a matter of fact and the interpretation of the regulations are questions for the enforcement court; as to them we refrain from gratuitous expression of opinion.
Judgment will enter dismissing the complaint.