HONOURABLE SRI JUSTICE L.NARASIMHA REDDY WRIT PETITON No.20937 OF 2007 ORDER: The petitioners are lessees in respect of shop Nos.49 and 22, respectively, of Adduri Balarami Reddy shopping complex constructed by Srikalahasthi Municipality, the respondent herein. Both of them were served with notice, dated 26-09-2007, requiring them to vacate the premises within four days. It was mentioned that the Municipality has passed a resolution to demolish the two shops. The petitioners challenge the notices issued to them. The petitioners complain that no reasons are mentioned for the proposal to demolish the shops. It is also alleged that the complex is a double storied building and even while the lessees in the first floor are permitted to remain in the shops, the shops leased out to the petitioners are sought to be demolished. 2. Heard the learned counsel for the petitioners and the learned Standing Counsel for the respondent. 3. Nearly, four years have elapsed ever since this Court admitted the writ petition and granted stay. The respondents have not chosen to file any counter – affidavit. 4. It is the prerogative of the respondents either to construct or to demolish the shops. However, being a statutory authority, it is under obligation to furnish the reasons in support of its conclusions. Except stating that council had passed a resolution to demolish the shops occupied by the petitioners, nothing is stated. The petitioners are entitled to know the reasons that prompted the council to decide to demolish the shops. 5. Hence, the Writ Petition is allowed and the impugned notice, dated 26-09-2007, is set aside. It is left open to the respondents to issue notice to the petitioners duly stating the reasons on account of which the shops are proposed to be demolished. On receipt of such notice, it shall be open to the petitioners to put forward their contentions and further steps shall be taken only after considering such objections. There shall be no order as to costs. ___________________ L.NARASIMHA REDDY, J March 31, 2011. KTL