Sunil Appasaheb Devarashi v. State of Karnataka
Case brief
What is this about?
Karnataka High Court, Dharwad Bench (NC: 2025:KHC-D:7558), WP No. 104050 of 2018 (LB-RES), decided 12.06.2025 by Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur. Municipal commercial-shop allotment; expiry of 12-year lease; cancellation of allotment and re-allotment by public auction; Karnataka Municipalities Act, 1964 Section 72; Karnataka Municipalities (Guidance of Officers, Grant of Copies and Miscellaneous Provisions) Rules, 1966 Rule 39; Article 19(1)(g) contention rejected; no inherent right to continue possession after lease term; participation of outgoing lessees in fresh auction; liability to pay agreed rent and arrears during interim-order occupation; Town Municipal Council Sankeshwar; Deputy Commissioner Belagavi; civil suit for permanent injunction pending separately.
What did the court decide?
Petition disposed of with directions: petitioners to continue in the shop premises until the respondents conduct a fresh public auction in accordance with law; if the petitioners succeed in the auction they continue on applicable terms and conditions; if third parties are allotted the shops, respondents may take possession forthwith and petitioners shall vacate without forcing eviction; petitioners to pay entire arrears of rent and continue paying rent till the auction is conducted.