Authority's obligation to consider representations within a reasonable timeframe after an opportunity to be heard.

JUDGMENT

The above writ petition is filed with following prayers :

i) “a writ of certiorari or any other appropriate writ order or direction calling for the records leading to Exhibit P4 & P5 and quash the same.

ii) a writ of mandamus or any other appropriate writ order or direction to the respondents to consider Ext.P6 & P7 and pass appropriate orders within a reasonable time after afford an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner.

iii) such other reliefs as this Hon’ble Court deems fit to grant in the nature of this case.

iv. a direction to dispense with filing of the translation of vernacular document produced with this writ petition..”

[sic]

2. The petitioner is aggrieved by a stop memo issued by the Village officer as evident by Ext.P4 and also a stop memo issued by the Municipality as evident by Ext.P5. The petitioner submitted Exts.P6 and P7 before the 2^nd and 1^st respondents respectively. The counsel for the petitioner submitted that there may be a direction to consider Exts.P6 and P7.

3. Heard the Government Pleader and the Standing Counsel appearing for the 3^rd respondent.

4. After hearing both sides, I think there can be a direction to the 1^st and 2^nd respondents to consider Exts.P7 and P6 within a time frame.

Therefore, this writ petition is disposed of with the following directions ;

1) The 1^st respondent is directed to consider Ext.P7, after giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.

2) The 2^nd respondent is directed to consider Ext.P6, after giving an opportunity of hearing to the petitioner as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within one month from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.

3) The petitioner will produce a certified copy of this judgment along with a copy of this writ petition with exhibits before the 1^st and 2^nd respondents for compliance.

P.V.KUNHIKRISHNAN JUDGE SKS