G.S.SINGHVI, J.

1. This petition is directed against orders Annexures P. 3 dated 18-11-1999 and P. 4 dated 28-9-2001 passed by Sub-Divisional Officer, Bhatinda and Deputy Commissioner, Bhatinda, exercising the powers of the Collector and Appellate . Authority, respectively under the Punjab Public Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Act, 1973 (for short, theAct).

2. At the out-set, we may briefly notice the facts necessary for deciding the issues raised in the petition.

3. In the year 1991, the competent authority of the Punjab State Electricity Board (for short, the Board) held an auction for leasing out the shop situated within the premises of Guru Nanak Dev Thermal Plant at Bhatinda. Respondent No. 4-Jagjiwan Kumar gave the highest offer of paying monthly rent of Rs. 735/-. His offer was accepted and the said shop was leased out to him for a period of one year from 2-5-1991 to 1-5-1992. On his request, the term of lease was extended for a period of one year ending in May, 1993. At the end of the extended term of lease, respondent No. 4 applied for further extension, but his request was declined and the shop was put to fresh auction. This time, Shri Sanjeev Kuma