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2026 Supreme(Online)(Mad) 42719

BEFORE THE MADURAI BENCH OF MADRAS HIGH COURT
Bharatha Chakravarthy, J
Gopal P – Appellant
Versus
The Joint Commissioner – Respondent
W.P(MD)No.10883 of 2026 | W.M.P(MD)Nos.8479 of 2026



Advocates:
For the Appellants/Petitioners: M. Ashok Kumar
For the Respondents: M. Sarangan, S. Devasena

A show-cause notice for fair rent fixation is a preliminary step requiring a hearing; any subsequent action like sealing of premises or eviction must strictly follow the due process of law as prescribed by the relevant statute.

Headnote:(A) Fair Rent Fixation - Show Cause Notice - A notice inviting objections for the fixation of fair rent is a preliminary procedure and not a final order; the tenant must be provided an opportunity for a personal hearing before final orders are passed. (Para 5)

(B) Eviction Procedure - Due Process - Premises cannot be sealed or evicted without following the due process of law, specifically by initiating proceedings under the relevant statutory provisions for eviction. (Para 5)

Issues: Whether the show cause notice for fair rent fixation was illegal and whether the premises could be sealed without following the due process of law.

Table of Content
1. petitioner challenges the legality of a rent increase notice and fears arbitrary sealing of premises. (Para 1 , 2)
2. the notice is a show-cause notice for fair rent fixation, allowing for objections and hearings. (Para 3)
3. due process and personal hearings are mandatory for rent fixation and statutory procedures are required for eviction. (Para 4 , 5)
4. the petition is disposed of with liberty to the petitioner to present grievances before the committee. (Para 6)

Prayer :Writ Petition is filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this Court Writ Petition, filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, praying this court to issue a Writ of Certiorari calling for the records of 1st respondent in proceedings of the Na.Ka.No.1961952/2025/E1 dated 29.11.2025 consequential objection notice of the 2nd respondent dated 12.03.2026 and quash the same as illegal.

ORDER

The writ petitioner is a tenant under the second respondent temple.

2.It is the claim of the petitioner that he is the tenant in respect of the land and he has put up his own superstructures and is in possession and occupation by paying the monthly rent. While so, by the impugned order, the rent is proposed to be increased and manifold times and the petitioner will not be in a position to pay such huge rent. Even though the petitioner has submitted his objection, the second respondent may take such steps to seal the premise and therefore, the petitioner is before this Court.

3.Per Contra, the learned counsel took notice on behalf of the second respondent would submit that on perusal of the notice, it can be seen that it is a show cause notice inviting objection for fixation of fair rent. The petitioner has already submitted his objection. It will be duly considered by giving opportunity to the petitioner and the Committee will hear the petitioner and further orders of fixation of fair rent is passed if only he default further thereafter steps will be taken in the manner known to law to evict him.

4.I have considered the rival submissions made on either side and perused the material records of the case.

5.Since the impugned order nothing but show cause notice inviting objection from the petitioner for fixating of fair rent. It will be open for the petitioner to send his objections. It is stated that already objections are sent, the same will be placed before the committee. Let the committee also give an opportunity to the petitioner for personal hearing. Thereafter final orders can be passed fixing the final fair rent. In the meanwhile, the apprehension of the petitioner that the shops will be sealed is not correct inasmuch as the authority will have to take recourse to the manner known to law, that is by initiation of proceedings under Sections 78-79 of the Act, for eviction, without which the petitioner premises will not be sealed.

6.Recording the above and keeping open the liberty of the petitioner to agitate before the committee, all his grievances, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. Consequently, connected miscellaneous petition is closed.

20.04.2026

NCC:Yes/No

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