Timely judicial review required for compliance with land reassessment laws.

JUDGMENT

The above Writ Petition (C) is filed with the following prayers:

“I. Declare that the petitioner is entitled to reassessment its plot as contemplated under 6A of the Kerala Land Tax Act ;

II. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the second respondent to change the entry regarding the petitioner’s plot, 0.1214 hectors of land comprised in Re-Survey No. 3 (Old Survey No. 4023), Re-Survey Block No. 132 (Old Survey Block No. 5/87) Palakkad III Village, Palakkad Taluk & Palakkad District in the basic tax register as garden land fit for construction purpose;

III. Declare that inasmuch as the petitioner’s plot is converted on prior to the coming into force of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wet Land Act, 2008 , it could also seek change of records of BTR in respect of the subject property without making any application as envisaged under section 27C of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wet Land Act, 2008 ;

IV. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the second respondent to consider Exhibit-P4 application on merits without the petitioner being directed to make any application in terms of section 27A (3) of the Kerala Conservation of Paddy Land and Wet Land Act, 2008 ;

V. To dispense with the production of the english translation of Exhibits which is in vernacular language; and VI. Issue such other writ, order or direction as this Hon’ble court deems fit and proper in the circumstances of the case.”

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that a direction may be issued to consider Ext.P4 Form A application filed in terms of the Kerala Land Tax Act within a time frame, in the light of Ext.P1 order issued by the 1^st respondent under the provisions of the Kerala Land Utilization Act . Therefore, I am of the view that the prayer can be allowed.

Therefore, this Writ Petition is disposed of in the following manner:

(i) The 2^nd respondent is directed to consider Ext.P4 Form A application in the light of Ext.P1, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate within a period of one month from the date of receipt of a copy of this judgment.

Sd/-