THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.2285 of 2010 28.4.2010 Between Abbasani Yadagiri Yadav, S/o.Mallaiah … Petitioner AND Government of Andhra Pradesh, represented by Secretary, Panchayat Raj Department, Secretariat, Hyderabad And others … Respondents THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE V.V.S.RAO WRIT PETITION No.2285 of 2010 ORDER: Petitioner is member of Ghatakesar Gram Panchayat. It appears that Gram Panchayat constructed shops utilizing Sampoorna Grameena Rozgar Yojana funds. He filed instant writ petition seeking a direction to Gram Panchayat to conduct public auction. The Panchayat Secretary filed counter affidavit stating that after completion of the shops, District Panchayat Officer, Ranga Reddy District (DPO) has been addressed a letter to grant permission for conducting public auction of shopping complex. This is also not denied that auction was conducted for some shops after getting permission. This Court heard the counsel for petitioner and the Standing Counsel for Gram Panchayat. Acquisition and Transfer of Property by Gram Panchayats, Mandal Parishads and Zilla Parishads Rules, 2001 (hereafter, the Rules) promulgated under G.O.Ms.No.215 PR&RD, dated 25.6.2001, govern the grant of leases by the Gram Panchayats. Rule 7 of the Rules contains procedure for conducting public auction and the prior steps to be taken therefor. As per Rule 6(v) of the Rules, if the lease is for more than three years, approval of District Collector shall be necessary. Therefore, the permission of DPO is not necessary. Therefore the permission of DPO is not necessary. The Gram Panchayat may request the DPO to place the papers before the District Collector for necessary permission. The District Collector may pass appropriate orders immediately as the shops have been kept vacant for about one year resulting in loss of income to Gram Panchayat. The writ petition is accordingly disposed of. _____________ (V.V.S.RAO,J) April 28, 2010. YS