PREM RANI Vs. DELHI DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

JUDGEMENT

(1.) In these proceedings under Article 226 of the Constitution, a communication dated 26.6.2003 issued by the respondent (hereinafter called "The DDA", cancelling the bid made by the petitioners for a plot has been questioned.

(2.) An auction was held by DDA on 7.3.2003 in which, inter alia, plot No.B-1/1/3, at Janak Puri. New Delhi (hereinafter called "the plot") was offered. The petitioners' bid was for Rs.44.00 Lacs. They were the highest bidders. In accordance with the terms and conditions of the auction an initial deposit of Rs.12.00 Lacs was made immediately.

(3.) On 12.3.2003 the second petitioner, who is the husband of the first respondent, wrote to the DDA stating that the bid/offer was in reality on behalf of his daughter, one Ms. Kavita Vohra. The Itter stated that the bid was made and that a plot ought to be in the said Ms. Vohra's name since her birth day fell on 7.3.2003; the DDA was also informed that by mistake the bid was made in the name of the petitioners by their Manager, and that as soon as the second petitioner (who was out of town returned), he was seeking correction in respect of the offer/bid. The letter also recorded that the request ought not to be regarded as change in the name of the intending purchaser. The petitioners also followed up with another letter dated 8.4.2003 enclosing their affidavits and certain Indemnity Bonds which were admittedly received by the respondent.