P. Bal Reddy, v. The Hyderabad Metro Water Supply And Sewerage Board

THE HON'BLE SRI JUSTICE M.S. RAMACHANDRA RAO WRIT PETITION No.663 of 2012 ORDER:

Heard the learned counsel for petitioners and Sri T.Sudhakar Reddy, the learned Standing Counsel for respondents.

2.

This Writ Petition is filed challenging the proceedings dt.17-12-2011 of the 2nd respondent directing that the Water Service connection sanctioned under Category-I Domestic to the petitioners' premises should be altered to Category-I-C on the basis of inspection alleged to have been done by the officials of 1st respondent on the petitioners' premises on 17-03-2011.

3.

There is no dispute that the proposed change of category by respondents is not preceded by any show cause notice to petitioners inviting petitioners' explanation to the same.

4. Learned Standing counsel for respondents submits that the respondents would issue show cause notice to each of the petitioner pointing out the reason why

respondents wish to change the categorization of the Water Service connection provided to their premises inviting explanations from the petitioners and then pass reasoned orders in each of their cases.

5.

This Course of action being reasonable, the Writ Petition is allowed directing the respondents to issue show cause notices to each of the petitioner to show cause why the category of the Water Service connection provided to their properties be not changed from Category-I to Category-I-C. On receipt of such show cause notices, the petitioners shall submit their explanations thereto with any supporting material. If required, the respondents may inspect the properties of petitioners after issuing advance notice to petitioners and then pass a reasoned order and communicate the same to petitioners.

Till this exercise is completed, the respondents shall not change the categorization of petitioners' Water Service Connection from Category-I (single ownership). No costs.

6. As a sequel, miscellaneous petitions pending if any, in this Writ Petition shall stand closed.

___________________________________ JUSTICE M.S. RAMACHANDRA RAO Date: 29-02-2016 Vsv/*