1. By way of this petition under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, the petitioners have predominantly prayed for the following relief:-
"7(A). This Hon'ble Court may be pleased to issue appropriate writ order or direction to the respondent No.5 to decide application dated 15.02.2011 (17.02.2011) made by the petitioners to the respondent No.5 for conversion of land within specified time limit after considering the opinion given by all the concerned authorities."
2. Heard Ms.Kruti M. Shah, learned counsel appearing for the petitioners, Ms.Nisha Thakore, learned A.G.P. appearing for respondent Nos.1 to 4 and Mr.H.S. Munshaw, learned counsel appearing for respondent Nos.5 and 6.
3. In response to the notice issued by this Court, respondent No.5-Taluka Development Officer, Chhotaudepur Taluka Panchayat has filed affidavit-in-reply.
4. However, considering the prayer, as prayed for, in the petition, interest of justice would be served if the competent authority is directed to decide the application filed by the petitioners within a stipulated time in accordance with law.
5. Accordingly, the competent authority is hereby directed to decide application dated 15.02.2011 - 17.02.2011 filed by the petitioners strictly in accordance with law as early as possible preferably within a period of 8 weeks from today without being influenced by this order.
6. With the above direction, the petition stands disposed of. Notice is discharged. No order as to costs.
(R.M.CHHAYA, J.) Hitesh Top