The court clarified the duty of local authorities to consider pending license applications without undue delay.

JUDGMENT

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

"i. Issue a writ in the nature of mandamus commanding the 2^nd respondent to pass orders on the license renewal application submitted by the petitioner as evidenced from Ext.P9 and grant renewal of license within 31.03.2026.

ii. issue such other orders, writs or directions as are deemed fit by this Hon’ble Court.

iii. award cost of this proceedings to the petitioner.

iv. dispense with filing of the translation of vernacular documents produced as Exhibits in the writ petition."

[SIC]

2. It is an admitted fact that the petitioner has a licence to conduct a quarry. It is also an admitted fact that the petitioner filed an application for renewal of the licence, as evident by Ext.P9 acknowledgment. It is further admitted that no orders have been passed on the renewal application.

3. The learned Standing Counsel appearing for the Panchayat submitted that no quarry license can be issued in the particular Village as per the order of the Government. The Standing Counsel also handed over a photograph showing that, due to an explosion in the quarry, a large stone fell onto the public road, causing public hue and cry, and that a stop memo has also been issued.

4. I do not want to make any observation about the same. If an application for renewal is pending, it is the duty of the 2^nd respondent to consider the same and pass appropriate orders in it.

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

The 2^nd respondent is directed to consider the application for renewal of license, as evident by Ext.P9 acknowledgment, as expeditiously as possible, at any rate, within a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of a certified copy of this judgment.