Sca No. 4197 of 2008 · Gujarat High Court

CORAM : HONOURABLE MR.JUSTICE MD SHAH Date : 07/03/2008 ORAL JUDGMENT

Rule. Mr.Umang Oza, learned AGP waives service of rule on behalf of the respondents. SCA/4197/2008 JUDGMENT

By way of this petition, the petitioner has challenged the impugned order dated 31.12.2001 passed by the Dy.Collector, Stamp Duty Valuation Department, Himatnagar, Rajkot, and the order dated 11.12.2007 passed by the Chief Controller, Stamp Duty Valuation Department, Gandhinagar, respondent Nos.1 and 2 herein respectively.

Heard the learned advocate for the petitioner and Mr.Oza, learned AGP for the respondents.

It is submitted by learned advocate for the petitioner that the impugned order passed by the respondent No.1 authority is a printed one and non speaking order which reveals total non application of mind and that unreasonably excessive market value has been fixed for the disputed property by the respondent authority. According to the learned advocate, no reasons have been assigned for enhancement in the market value of the property than what is referred to in the sale deed. It has also been contended by the learned advocate that no opportunity of hearing was afforded to the petitioner before passing the impugned order. It has also been contended that the relevant guidelines have also not been followed by the respondent authority and therefore, the decision taken by the authority for arriving at a higher market value is absolutely arbitrary in nature. It is finally contended that the respondent authority has fixed the valuation of the property ignoring the Bombay Stamp (Determination SCA/4197/2008 JUDGMENT of Market Value of Property) Rules, 1984 as also the guidelines provided by the Bombay Stamp Act, 1958 and, therefore, the respondent authority can fix the valuation of the property using different yardsticks which would tantamount to discrimination. It is submitted by learned advocate that in a casual manner the respondent authority has fixed the market value of the property in question at a higher price and therefore, deficit stamp duty of Rs.26,710/- with fine of Rs.250/- was required to be paid to the authorities and accordingly notice was sent to the petitioner. It is submitted by him that the respondent authority has not considered the fact that the petitioner has purchased the property in question by paying the market value prevalent, but the authority has not considered the same as per the Jantri decided by the State. Therefore it is prayed that the decisions of the respondent authorities are required to be quashed and set aside.

In support of his submission, learned advocate has placed reliance on the following decisions: (i) [(2006)12 GHJ 533 – (Vinaybhai P.Patel v. State of Gujarat)]; (ii) [(2006)12 GHJ 646 – (Manubhai Vaghjibhai Dabhi v. State of Gujarat and anr.)]; and (iii)[(2006)12 GHJ 538 – (A.P.M.C., Patan v. State of Gujarat and anr.]; and (iv) 2006(2) GLR 1735 – (New Kalindi Co.op. Housing Society Ltd. v. State of Gujarat and ors.). SCA/4197/2008 JUDGMENT

As can be seen from the aforesaid decisions, this Court has time and again rendered decisions for quashing and setting aside the printed/cyclostyled type orders and non speaking orders by holding that it is the duty vested in the respondent authorities to justify its say for higher market value for the land in question. In the instant case, it is clear that the impugned order cannot be sustained in the eye of law. Reference in this connection may also be had to the decision rendered in the case of Bal Nalkantha Khedoor Mandal v. State of Gujarat, decided on 26th July 1999 in Special Civil Application No.1731 of 199 (Coram: Hon'ble K.G.Balakrishnan, CJ & Hon'ble Mr.Justice S.D.Dave).

Having considered the aforesaid authorities and for the reasons as discussed above, in my considered opinion, the impugned orders are passed in breach of the provisions of the Act, 1958 and the Rules, 1984 as they are thoroughly non speaking orders and no reasons have been assigned.