IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUDICATURE AT BOMBAY ORDINARY ORIGINAL CIVIL JURISDICTION WRIT PETITION NO. 2363 OF 2008 Mr. Subhash Chander Sehgal .. Petitioner Vs. State of Maharashtra and others .. Respondents Mr. V.N. Kantawala i/by M/s. M.M. Legal Associates for the petitioner. Ms. G.S. Joglekar for the BMC. Ms. Uma Palsuledesai, Assistant Government Pleader for the State. CORAM : SWATANTER KUMAR, C.J. & DR. D.Y. CHANDRACHUD, J. DATED : 13TH JANUARY, 2009 P.C. The learned counsel appearing for the petitioner submits that the matter was being heard by the authorities of the respondents and by letter dated 8th May, 2008, the advocate for the petitioner has specifically recorded that the matter was adjourned for directions by the authorities. Thereafter, the petitioner has neither received any communication nor the next date of hearing. Thereafter, the petitioner has received the order dated 3rd May, 2008 which reads as under: OCT/844/CSI II “Office of the Dy. Assessor & Collector (Octroi) Brihanmumbai Mahanagarpalika Shree Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Market Building, 3rd Floor, Near Ramabai Ambedkar Marg, Mumbai-400001. 3 MAY 2008 To M/s. M.M.Legal Associates, 24/25, Esplanade Mansion, 4th Floor, M.G. Road, Near Kala Ghoda, Mumbai 400 023. Sub: Levy of Octroi. Gentlemen, Ref: Your letter under No.Ozone/Octroi MMLA-001 dt. 7.11.07. With reference to your abovecited letter, I have to inform you hearing in the matter was given to your clients on 26.2.08 and the article `No Marks' Cream has been held liable to octroi @ 7% advl. Under tariff Item No.3304-9910 of present Octroi Schedule `H' appended to MMC Act. Yours faithfully, Sd/- Dy. Assessor & Collector (Octroi)” 2. The contention raised is that it is violative of principles of natural justice as well as it suffers from effect of non-application of mind. No reasons have been stated in the order. In view of the contentions raised and without admitting the allegations, the learned counsel appearing for the respondents states that they will hear the petitioner again and pass an appropriate order after giving proper hearing to the petitioner. 3. Rule is made absolute to that extent. Order dated 3rd May, 2008 is set aside. The respondents shall give proper hearing to the petitioner and pass fresh order within four weeks from today. No order as to costs. CHIEF JUSTICE DR. D.Y. CHANDRACHUD, J.