ORDER :

1. The lis involved in the present batch of writ petitions is similar and therefore, the same were heard together and are decided vide the following common order.

2. Heard Ms. Pratusha Bopanna, learned counsel representing Sri Vardhineni Krishna Mohan, Sri B. Nalin Kumar, learned counsel for petitioners, Dr. K. Lakshmi Narasimha and Smt. Kalpana Ekbote, learned Standing Counsels appearing for respondent Banks. Perused the record.

3. The Petitioners in the writ petitions are registered valuers who challenge the clauses/correspondences which impose a mandatory condition for valuers seeking empanelment to execute a Letter of Indemnity in favour of the Respondent Banks on the ground that the same is arbitrary, unconscionable, illegal and violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

4. The impugned clauses/correspondences require registered valuers seeking empanelment with the Respondent Banks to execute the following letter of indemnity:

(i) Letter of indemnity of Punjab National Bank.

LETTER OF INDEMNITY BY ENGINEERS/VALUERS

To

Name of the Bank,

..............................

Dear Sirs

In consideration of Name of the Bank (hereinafter called the ‘Bank’ which expression shall inc