This writ petition was filed by the erstwhile Syndicate Bank, which has now been merged with the Canara Bank, challenging the revenue recovery proceedings initiated to recover arrears of water charges due to the Kerala Water Authority.

2. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner would submit that the Changanassery Branch of the petitioner-Bank was originally housed in a rented premises belonging to the 3rd respondent herein. It is submitted that since regular water supply was not being provided by the 3rd respondent to the Branch, a water connection was taken for the use of the Branch and the water charges were originally paid directly by the Branch to the 1st respondent. It is submitted that the lease was being renewed from time to time and at the time of renewal, the 3rd respondent insisted that the water charges should be paid to him. According to the petitioner, Ext.P1 lease deed was executed on 31-07-1996 and it was clearly provided that the water charges would be paid to the 3rd respondent.

It is submitted that Exts.P2 and P3 letters will show that, pursuant to the relevant clause in Ext.P1, water charges were actually paid by the petitioner to the 3rd responde