The Court directed the respondent to timely consider the petitioner's representation under Article 226, reinforcing procedural fairness in lease disputes.

ORDER

This Writ Petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondent to to forthwith consider and act upon the petitioner’s representation dated 17.12.2025 and consequently hand over vacant and peaceful possession of the demised premises upon expiry of the lease term on 02.02.2026 within a time frame to be fixed by this court and further direct the respondent to pay such occupation charges/ compensation for the period of unauthorized occupation from 3.02.2026 till the date of delivery of possession in accordance with law.

2. The learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is the absolute owner of the property situated at No.4/111, East Coast Road, Neelankarai, Chennai – 600 115. The respondent / Corporation had approached the petitioner to execute a lease deed in respect of the aforesaid property for the purpose of establishing and operating a petrol retail outlet in the said premises. Accordingly, a lease agreement was entered into between the parties for the period from 03.02.2006 to 02.02.2026, at a monthly rent of Rs.28,000/-. As evidenced from the lease agreement, the lease period is scheduled to expire of 02.02.2026. As on date, the rent being paid is only Rs.49,604 with 18% GST, which is very meagre and disproportionate to the prevailing market value. During the subsistence of the lease, the value of the land has increased substantially, resulting in considerable notional loss to the petitioner. Since, the lease period is nearing its expiry on 02.02.2026, the petitioner had in the first week of August 2025, approached the respondent / Corporation to discuss the terms and conditions for renewal of the lease. However, there was no proper response from the respondent and they declined the request. Hence, the present Writ Petition has been filed.

3. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner further submitted that this Court may issue a direction to the respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 17.12.2025.

4. The learned counsel appearing for the respondent submitted that the petitioner’s application will be considered.

5. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials placed on record.

6. In view of the limited request made by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner, this Court, without going into the merits of the case, directs the respondent to consider the petitioner’s representation dated 17.12.2025 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.

7. With the above directions, the Writ Petition stands disposed of. No costs.