A.SUNIL BABU Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner was the lessee of shop selling puja material of the 3rd respondent-temple for the period 1/4/2019 to 31/3/2020. It is the case of the petitioner that the petitioner lost a period of 10 days for the period 1/4/2019 to 31/3/2020 and 75 days for the period 1/4/2020 to 31/3/2021 on account of Covid-19 Pandemic Regulations, resulting in the closure of the 3rd respondent-temple.

(2.) As the Commissioner of Endowments Department had issued Memo No.B3/12/1/2021, dtd. 21/1/2021 directing extension of lease/license period equivalent for the period of stoppage of darshanams and concerned activities in respective temples, the petitioner would be entitled for extension of lease beyond 31/3/2021 for a period of 85 days.

(3.) As there was uncertainty about the continuation of lease etc, the petitioner had made a representation to the respondents claiming both extensions of lease, as well as payment for the period for which there was closure of the temple. While, the representation was pending the petitioners had issued the impugned tender/public auction notice dtd. 11/6/2021 to conduct an auction of the lease hold rights of the shop hold by the petitioner. Aggrieved by the said auction, the 2 RRR,J W.P.No.11684 of 2021 petitioner is approached this Court contending that auction of the lease hold rights of the shops can be conducted only after his representations are considered and either rent is refunded for the affected period or lease period is extended.