GADDA RAMESH Vs. STATE OF ANDHRA PRADESH

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The petitioner had obtained a license for running a Mobile Canteen in the premises of HOD Building Complex, Vijayawada for the period between 1/4/2021 to 31/3/2022. On account of the Covid-19 Pandemic and consequent Lock Down during the second and third waves and on account of the unseasonal rains and cyclones, the petitioner is said to have suffered huge losses. On account of the said losses, the petitioner has given a representation dtd. 2/3/2022 to the 2nd respondent seeking extension of the license period for a further term of six (06) months.

(2.) The petitioner has now approached this Court by way of the present Writ Petition, with the compliant that, the 2nd respondent, without considering the representation of the petitioner dtd. 2/3/2022, is now taking steps for conducting an auction of the license for the period 1/4/2022 onwards. It is true that various businesses have suffered on account of the Covid-19 Pandemic and its consequent Lock Downs. However, the fact remains that the license has to be treated as contract and the matter of extension is purely a matter of discretion of the 2nd respondent.

(3.) Accordingly, this Writ Petition is disposed of with a direction to the 2nd respondent to consider the representation of the petitioner, dtd. 2/3/2022, and pass orders on the said representation within a period of one week from today. The auction that is proposed to be conducted may go on. However, the said auction would be subject to the result of the orders passed by the 2nd respondent on the representation of the petitioner dtd. 2/3/2022. There shall be no orders as to costs.