HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE R. SUBHASH REDDY Writ Petition No.28528 of 2008 ORDER: Heard the learned counsel for the petitioner and also the learned Standing Counsel appearing for the respondents. In this writ petition, the petitioner is questioning the action of the respondents in disconnecting water service connection to his house bearing D.No.24-79-1, Sanat Nagar, Pedagantyada, Visakahaptnam. The petitioner states that he has been in possession of 300 sq.yards of land in Survey No.4, Ward No.61 of Sanat Nagar, Peddagantiyada Mandal, Gajuwaka, Visakhapatnam Distict, wherein he claims to have constructed a thatched shed and obtained water service connection. In this writ petition, it is his grievance that the respondents have illegally disconnected the water service connection to his house without any notice and opportunity. This Court by order, dated 30.12.2008, directed the respondents to restore water service connection to the house of the petitioner. A counter affidavit is filed by the Commissioner, Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation, wherein while denying the allegations made by the petitioner, it is stated that as per the records of the Corporation, the land covered by Survey No.4 is classified as Government land. It is also stated that either payment of property tax or obtaining service connection shall not confer any right of occupation to the petitioner in respect of the land in question, which is classified as Government land. With regard to disconnecting water service connection, it is stated in the counter that in view of the complaint lodged by the neighbours of the petitioner, the water service connection was disconnected, but in view of the interim orders passed by this Court, dated 30.12.2008, the same was restored. If the land in question is classified as Government land, it is open for the appropriate competent authority to initiate eviction proceedings, but in the absence of any order for eviction, on the mere complaint of the neighbours, the respondents ought not to have disconnected the water service connection provided to the house of the petitioner. As it is stated that the water service connection is already restored, I deem it appropriate to dispose of the writ petition with a direction to the respondents to continue the water service connection to the petitioner’s house, provided he pays necessary charges at the rate fixed by the Corporation. However, it is made clear that if here is any encroachment of the Government land, it is open for the competent authority to take appropriate steps in accordance with law. Subject to the directions referred to above, the writ petition is disposed of. No costs. _____________________ (R. SUBHASH REDDY, J) Dt.06.09.2010 VGB