J.Lalith Kumar v. The Commissioner

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT MADRAS

DATED: 29.04.2022

CORAM:

THE HONOURABLE MS.JUSTICE V.M.VELUMANI W.P.No.11497 of 2022 and W.M.P.No.10997 of 2022 J.Lalith Kumar .. Petitioner Vs.

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

3. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Vengreswarar, Alagarperumal and Nagathaman Temple, Vadapalani, Chennai 600 026.

.. Respondents Prayer: Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying for issuance of a Writ of Certiorarified Mandamus, calling for the records pertaining to the impugned undated demand notice issued by the 3rd respondent vide reference for the property bearing No.2/1, originally Ella Muthamman Kovil Street and now known as 100 feet road, Vadapalani, Chennai 600 026 and quash the same and consequently, forbear the 3rd respondent from demanding the enhanced rent retrospectively from 01.07.2016 in respect of the above said property and further permit the petitioner to pay the arrears of rents to the 3rd respondent temple.

For Petitioner :

Mr.R.Abdul Mubeen for Mr.M.Mohamed Anees For Respondents :

Mr.S.Yashwanth (Additional Government Pleader)

O R D E R

This Writ Petition is filed by the petitioner challenging the impugned undated demand notice issued by the 3rd respondent and consequently, forbear the 3rd respondent from demanding the enhanced rent retrospectively from 01.07.2016 in respect of the above said property and further permit the petitioner to pay the arrears of rents to the 3rd respondent temple. 2.By consent of the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the learned Additional Government Pleader who take notice for the respondents, the matter is taken up for final disposal at the admission stage itself. 3.Heard the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner as well as the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents and perused the entire materials available on record.

4.According to the petitioner, the Shop bearing No.2/1, originally Ella Muthamman Kovil Street and now known as 100 feet road, Vadapalani, Chennai 600 026, was allotted to him by the 3rd respondent temple. The petitioner spent huge amount towards renovation of the said shop. The rent is enhanced once in three years by 30%. While so, by the impugned order, the 3rd respondent demanded a sum of Rs.74,41,265/-, being the fair rent payable by the petitioner from the year 2016. The said fixation is arbitrary and in violation of the principles of natural justice. No opportunity was given to the petitioner to submit his objection. Hence, the petitioner has come out with the present Writ Petition.

5.Mr.S.Yashwanth, the learned Additional Government Pleader appearing for the respondents on instructions, submitted that the petitioner is in arrears of Rs.74,41,265/- upto January 2022. The petitioner has not given any objection for the said calculation. The petitioner was issued notice and fair rent was fixed. The remedy available to the petitioner is to file an appeal before the 1st respondent, the present Writ Petition is not maintainable and prayed for dismissal of the Writ Petition. 6.From the impugned order, it is seen that the 3rd respondent has not given any opportunity to the petitioner to file his objection for fixation of fair rent. As per the circular of HR & CE Department in Na.Ka.No.4551/2022/M2 dated 10.03.2022, the lessee (tenants) must be given an opportunity to submit their objection if any, for fixation of fair rent. The authority must consider the objection and pass orders either confirming, modifying or reducing the fair rent fixed. In view of the said circular, the impugned order of the 3rd respondent is

treated as show cause notice and petitioner is directed to submit his objections within a period of two weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order. If any such objection is received, the 3rd respondent is directed to consider the same and pass orders on merits, fixing the fair rent and give an opportunity to the petitioner to pay the said fair rent so fixed. With the above directions, the Writ Petition is disposed of. Consequently, connected Miscellaneous Petition is closed. No costs.

Sd/- Assistant Registrar (CS-VIII) //True Copy// Sub Assistant Registrar gsa To

1. The Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

2. The Joint Commissioner, Hindu Religious Endowment Department, Nungambakkam, Chennai 600 034.

3. The Executive Officer, Arulmigu Vengreswarar, Alagarperumal and Nagathaman Temple, Vadapalani, Chennai 600 026.

+2ccs to M/s.Mohamed Anees, Advocate SR. No. 30285 +1cc to Special Government Pleader (HR & CE) SR. No. 30553 W.P.No.11497 of 2022 VGII (CO) PR (24/05/2022)