Smt Rekha Bhattacharyya v. The District Magistrate,Purba Bardhaman And ORS

23.07.2025 Ct.No.7 sdas WPA 23936 of 2022 Smt. Rekha Bhattacharyya Vs.

The District Magistrate, Purba Bardhaman & Ors. Mr. Amitava Paine Ms. Manideepa (Paul) Roy .....for the petitioner Mr. T. M. Siddique Ms. Chandana Ghosh ...... for the State Affidavit of service filed on behalf of the petitioner is taken on record.

Citing inaction on the part of the concerned respondents in considering the petitioner's representation dated 16th August, 2022, the present writ petition has been preferred.

Mr. Paine, learned Advocate representing the petitioner, submits that the petitioner, a bona fide citizen of the country, owns certain lands and fulfills the requisite qualifications to receive the benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

Accordingly, the petitioner submitted an application dated 16th August, 2022. However, despite receipt of the said application, no effective steps have been taken in that regard. Mr. Paine further submits that an appropriate direction may be issued to the respondent authorities to

consider the petitioner's prayer for grant of benefits under the Scheme, after affording her an opportunity of hearing.

Ms. Ghosh, learned Advocate representing the State, submits that if the issue is remitted to the concerned authorities for taking a decision, the State would have no objection.

Heard the learned Advocates representing the respective parties and perused the materials on record. The record reveals that the petitioner's representation was received by the competent authority as far back as on 16th August, 2022. Admittedly, no decision has been taken with regard to the petitioner's request submitted to the respondent authorities through the said representation. The respondent authorities, upon receipt of such representation from a citizen of India, cannot sit tight over the matter for an indefinite period. Therefore, considering this aspect and taking note of the facts and circumstances of the case, the writ petition is disposed of by directing respondent no. 2, the Sub-Divisional Officer, Purba Bardhaman, to consider the petitioner's representation after affording her an opportunity of hearing.

If respondent no. 2 finds that the petitioner's prayer for grant of benefit under the Scheme deserves acceptance, the next follow-up action shall be taken,

which shall include the release of such benefit in favour of the petitioner.

If respondent no. 2 finds that the petitioner's prayer is without any basis, a reasoned order shall be passed and the same shall be communicated to the petitioner.

The entire exercise shall be completed within a period of twelve weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

With these observations and order, the writ petition is disposed of.

There shall be no order as to costs.

(Partha Sarathi Chatterjee, J.)