(1.) This batch of writ appeals arise out of a common judgment dated 7.12.2017, whereby the learned Single Judge has dismissed the writ petitions that were filed by the appellants/petitioners challenging the action of the respondents, the Rasipuram Municipal Council, Namakkal District, enhancing the lease rent of the shops occupied by the appellants. These shops owned by the Rasipuram Municipality are located in and around the Old Bus-stand, New Bus- stand and the Daily Market of the said Municipality.
(2.) The enhancement has been brought about keeping in view the principles contained in the Government Order, viz. G.O. Ms. No.92, dated 3.7.2007, and the letter that followed thereafter on 12.3.2009. The notice to enhance the rent was issued on 20.2.2017 that has resulted in the final demand from the appellants through the notice dated 31.5.2017 and further proposing tender auction of the shops vide advertisement dated 23-6-2017. It is this public auction which came to be challenged praying for a writ of Certiorarified Mandamus to quash the said proceedings and to restore the rate of rent that was realized from the appellants at the rate of 15% increase only.
(3.) The complaint was that the rent has been increased manifold and is exorbitant that too, without notice and without assessing the market value of the area. The contention is that the provisions of the Government Order cannot be invoked and such procedure undertaken being without authority in law, the enhancement should be set aside.