Ashok Datta v. State Of West Bengal And ORS.

22.11.2022 rc/ct.no.10 Item No.24 WPA No. 22340 of 2022 Mr. Subhendu Roy Choudhury Mrs. Shila Chatterjee ...for the petitioner Mr. Chandi Charan De Mrs. Reshmi Rahaman ...for the State Mr. Sanjoy Saha ...for the WBMTDC Affidavit of service filed in Court today is taken on record.

The petitioner was granted long-term mining lease for a period of 5 years vide deed of lease executed and registered on 16.08.2017 which has expired on 15.08.2022. Due to Covid-19 pandemic, the petitioner was unable to carry on mining operation for a considerable period of time and has prayed for extension of the period of lease on the said ground.

The petitioner submitted a representation in this regard before the concerned authority on 23.08.2022 which is yet to be considered. The petitioner prays for a direction upon the concerned authority to consider the said representation at the earliest.

It is submitted on behalf of the State respondents that the 3rd respondent be directed to consider the representation within a stipulated period of time. In view of the above, the writ petition is disposed of directing the 3rd respondent to consider and dispose of the

representation submitted by the petitioner dated 23.08.2022 within a period of two months from the date of communication of this order after affording reasonable opportunity of hearing to all the interested parties including the petitioner, in accordance with law. The decision taken by the 3rd respondent shall be communicated to the petitioner within a week thereof. With the above directions, W.P.A. 22340 of 2022 is disposed of. However, there shall be no order as to costs. Since no affidavit is invited, the allegations contained in the petition are deemed not to be admitted. Urgent certified website copy of this order, if applied for, be supplied to the parties upon compliance with all requisite formalities.

(Suvra Ghosh,J)