B R JAGDISH Vs. STATE OF KARNATAKA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) IN this writ petition, the petitioners who claim to be self-employed tourist Photographers have sought for a writ of mandamus directing the respondents not to collect licence fee from them for their carrying on the business of photography in public/tourist places like Vidhana Soudha, cubbon Park, Lalbagh, etc.

(2.) FACTS in brief: It is stated in the petition that the petitioners are professional tourist photographers who are engaged in the business of taking photos of tourists visiting Vidhana Soudha, Cubbon Park, lalbagh and other historical places in and around Bangalore. According to them, respondents 2 and 4 are insisting them to obtain licence and to pay an annual tax of rs. 2,000/ -. To prove the same, they have produced Annexures-A, B and C which are the notices issued by the Deputy Director of horticulture, Cubbon Park Bangalore (R4 ). Being aggrieved by the said action, the petitioners have presented this writ petition seeking the aforesaid relief.

(3.) I have heard learned counsel appearing for the parties.