Pramod Pathak v. the State of Assam and 3 Ors.
Case brief
What is this about?
Batch of writ petitions challenged Rule 18 eviction notices issued to occupants of Government land earmarked for a second medical college in Guwahati. The Court held that occupants must first be given an opportunity to show a bona fide claim of right before summary eviction, construed the notices as show-cause notices and directed hearing by the Deputy Commissioner.
What did the court decide?
Notices treated as show-cause notices; liberty to file replies within 30 days; Deputy Commissioner to give hearing, pass speaking orders and withhold coercive measures for 30 days after notification.