Authority: High Court of Jharkhand at Ranchi

Order Date: 02 May 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: Petitioner Anjay Sarawgi vs. Ranchi Municipal Corporation (respondents: Municipal Commissioner and Deputy Municipal Commissioner).
  • Nature of Proceeding: Writ petition (W.P.(C) No. 7680 of 2026) seeking quashing of a sealing notice dated 09‑09‑2026 and direction to consider a pending review application.
  • Background:
  • On 12‑03‑2016 the Additional Municipal Commissioner issued a notice demanding Rs 12,86,076.60 from the petitioner.
  • The petitioner challenged this demand via writ petition W.P.(C) No. 1794/2017, which was disposed on 09‑07‑2019, granting liberty to pursue alternative remedy.
  • The petitioner submitted a detailed representation on 04‑09‑2019 requesting a fresh calculation of lease rent for the premises.
  • Despite the representation, the municipal authorities continued issuing notices based on the original calculation, demanding lease rent plus interest.
  • The petitioner paid the admitted portion of lease rent, evidenced by a receipt dated 18‑03‑2026.
  • On 01‑04‑2026 the petitioner filed a review application under Section 167 of the Jharkhand Municipal Act, which remained unconsidered.
  • Subsequently, on 09‑09‑2026 the Deputy Municipal Commissioner issued a fresh notice demanding Rs 26,63,599 and threatening sealing of the premises.
  • Petitioner's Contentions: The review application was ignored; the new notice is arbitrary; the sealing threat is unlawful.
  • Respondent's Position: The Municipal Commissioner will take appropriate decision on the pending review application.

Final Outcome

  • The Court directs Respondent No.1 (Ranchi Municipal Corporation) to take up the review application, provide a hearing to the petitioner, and pass an appropriate order within six weeks of receipt/production of this order.
  • The petitioner, without prejudice to his rights, shall deposit Rs 8,00,000 towards the notice dated 09‑09‑2026. The amount is to be paid in two equal instalments: first on 15‑10‑2026 and second on 20‑10‑2026.
  • The sealing notice is effectively set aside pending the outcome of the review and recalculation of any demand.
  • The writ petition is disposed with the above observations and directions.

Topics: Court Order, Municipal Lease Demand, Sealing Notice