VISHNU DEV BHAGAT Vs. UNION OF INDIA

JUDGEMENT

(1.) . Rule.

(2.) Petitioner, numbering, 22, who are allottees of shops at Vasant Vihar Shopping Complex have filed the present petition, seeking a writ/direction to restrain the respondents from cancelling their licences and recovering the licence fee from the date of allotment of the shops. It is also prayed that the payment of licence fee be waived till the water and electricity is made available for the shopping complex, without which it is impossible to carry on business activities.

(3.) Petitioners submit that the Directorate of Estates, Marketing Section had called for sealed tenders for allotment of shops/stalls at Vasant Vihar Complex in July, 1998. Shops/stalls were allotted to the highest bidders. Respondents had also fixed a minimum fee and as such the bidder had to quote a figure higher. than the minimum/reserved fee. Petitioners" grievance is that while inviting tenders, respondents did not disclose that water and electricity were not available. Upon issuance of allotment letters, successful bidders were asked to deposit money equivalent to six months' licence fee and advance for one month and thereupon licence deeds were executed.