Dula Ram Wadhwani v. South East Central Railway
Case brief
What is this about?
Fourteen WPCs (Bilaspur railway-station shopkeepers v. SECR/Union of India) commonly disposed 15/01/2026 by Narendra Kumar Vyas J (2026:CGHC:2505). Leases granted 2010 for five years, not renewed; notices dated 03.10.2024 demanded licence fee (Rs. 1,81,507 to Rs. 1,00,94,252 per petitioner) with 7-day vacation ultimatum and threat of Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1971 proceedings. Status quo (08.10.2024) modified: 7-day notice before station redevelopment construction, then demolition; no right to continue after licence lapse; petitioners not to obstruct works. Clause 3.1, Circular dated 04.10.2022 (Policy for Management of Railway Land - auction at 10% of market value, first refusal, 6% escalation, 5-year tenure) examined. Haldiram e-auction discrimination plea; commercial dept letter COM/BSP/NFR/RCR/23 dated 10.02.2025 (no rehabilitation policy; 18 shop-holders absent from e-auction). Abdul Mateen Siddiqui (SC, CA 3518/2023, 24.07.2024) placed by petitioners, distinguished by Railways' counsel, referred by the Court.