FAKIR MOHAMAD Vs. STATE OF RAJASTHAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) HEARD learned counsel for the petitioner. By this Writ Petition the petitioner has challenged the notification issued by the State Government under sub-section (3) of Section 2 of the Rajasthan Premises (Control of Rent and Eviction) Act. Sub-section (3) of Section 2 as well as the notification have been challenged on the ground that they are violative of Article 14 of the Constitution.

(2.) LEARNED counsel for the petitioner urged that no guidelines have been provided for the State Government in connection with issuance of notification under sub-section (3) and the power conferred on the State Government is unbridled and uncanalised.

(3.) IT is next urged by the learned counsel for the petitioner that the notification has been issued by the State Government excluding all Wakfs registered under the Wakfs Act from the operation of the provisions of the Act. The notification is bad, inasmuch as the power has been exercised in favour of a particular religion and so it is discriminatory. Suffice it to say that so far the provision of sub-section (3) is concerned, power can be exercised with respect to all religious institutions and on the ground of religion no discrimination is provided in the aforesaid provision. Institutions of the nature as specified in sub-section (3) if brought to the notice of the State Government or come to the notice of the State Government, the State Government can exercise its power under sub-section (3). Simply because the power has been exercised by the State Government in relation of Wakfs, it cannot be said that exercise of power was in any way discriminatory, as Wakfs are religious and charitable institutions and their income is used for their own purpose, so exercise of power is for the purpose as provided under sub-section (3) of Section 2.