THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.7805 of 2002 Dated:15.06.2010 Between: Veeraballi Sambaiah, And others. ...Petitioners And The Gram Panchayat, Veeraballi, Represented by its Sarpanch, And another. ...Respondents THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.7805 of 2002 ORDER: The Gram Panchayat, Veeraballi, conducted auction on 31.03.2001 to lease out Gram Panchayat shops. The petitioners offered 50% more than the previous bid amount paid by the highest bidders during the period 2001-2003. The shops were leased out to the petitioners for the period from 01.04.2001 to 31.03.2003. After the Panchayat elections in 2001, it appears, the newly elected Sarpanch proclaimed in the Village that he would auction the shops again even before the expiry of lease period i.e., 31.03.2003. Contending that their lease cannot be terminated before expiry of the lease period, which was granted to them pursuant to the auction, and apprehending forcible action, the petitioners filed the instant writ petition. This Court admitted the writ petition on 24.04.2002 and directed the respondents to maintain status quo. The respondents have not filed any counter affidavit denying the affidavit averments. Be that as it is, even according to the petitioners, the period of lease expired on 31.03.2003. Therefore, the Gram Panchayat may conduct auction after following the procedure contemplated under Rule 7 of the Acquisition and Transfer of Property by Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads Rules, 2001, promulgated by G.O.Ms.No.215, dated 25.06.2001. Till the new lessees are inducted, needless to mention, if the petitioners are continuing, they shall be permitted to carry on the business. The Writ Petition is disposed of accordingly. ____________ (V.V.S.RAO, J) 15.06.2010 vs