Application for grant of licence or its renewal.

(1) Any owner who desires to obtain a licence shall apply to the competent authority in such form and manner, accompanied by such fee as may be prescribed: Provided that from the date of commencement of this Act, the horticulture nursery owned by the State Government or the Central Government or corporate bodies of the State and Central Government shall be exempted from licence fee or renewal fee. (2) In case of fresh application for grant of licence or for renewal of licence, the competent authority shall direct the inspecting officer to inspect the horticulture nursery and submit a report in such form and manner, as may be prescribed. (3) The competent authority on being satisfied by the report of the inspecting officer, shall grant a licence to the applicant. (4) The competent authority if not satisfied with the report of the inspecting officer, may after giving a reasonable opportunity to the applicant of being heard and after recording the reasons, may refuse or renew the licence, as the case may be, and furnish a copy of the order to the applicant. (5) Every licence granted under this section shall be in such form, as may be prescribed and shall be valid for a period of five years from the date of its issuance and be renewed by the competent authority for a further period of not more than five years in such manner alongwith such fee, as may be prescribed.