SAMPATH KUMAR B. S. Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The essential grievance of the Petitioners who have been holding fishing leases is as to non-consideration of their request for certain concessions in terms of lease amounts. Learned counsel for the Petitioners submits that his clients have remained in arrears inasmuch as, their request remains unconsidered and that should concession be given, there would be no difficulty for making the payment of the said arrears.

(2.) Learned AGA appearing for the official Respondents vehemently opposes the Writ Petitions contending that wherever concession is admissible because of Covid-19 Pandemic, the same has been extended to all leaseholders and therefore, the complaint of the Petitioners is absolutely unjustifiable. In reply, learned counsel for the Petitioners submits that there are other concessions which his clients have sought for because of unworkability or underworkability of the leases in question on account of repairs of the reservoirs, floods & the like. Learned AGA also points out the undertaking given by the Petitioners through their advocate for making the payment of arrears, which the Court has recorded. He also submits that all the Petitioners are due in huge sums of money which collectively exceeds several lakhs of rupees and without making the payment, they have been enjoying the leases and therefore, Petitions should be dismissed.

(3.) Having heard the learned counsel for the parties and having perused the Petition papers, this Court declines indulgence in the matter for the following reasons: