BHARATH TRANSPORT Vs. DEPUTY SALT COMMISSIONER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The order dated July 2005 issued by the respondent directing the writ petitioner to pay the arrears of enhanced rent of Rs.1,98,641/- is under challenge in the present writ petition.

(2.) The learned counsel appearing on behalf of the writ petitioner states that, the writ petitioner firm got a lease of a salt shed at Tondiarpet, belonging to the first respondent. The terms of lease were fixed as per the letter of acceptance dated 24.02.2000. The monthly rent fixed for the shed leased out was Rs.3500/- or the rent to be fixed by CPWD whichever is higher. The rental period was one year only from the date of receipt of a letter dated 29.03.2000.

(3.) The other amenity charges were also to be paid by the writ petitioner firm. The lease period was extended from time to time and the writ petitioner was paying the monthly rent to the first respondent promptly. There was no arrears of rent. While so, the first respondent issued a demand notice on 05.05.2003 for the first time, claiming the amount of Rs.1,33,808/- purported to be a differential rent for the period from 01.04.2000 to 31.03.2003 as if the monthly rent was fixed as Rs.7,328/-.