THE HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.22575 of 2014 DATE: 13.10.2014 Between:
Nature Park Walkers Association, Hyderabad.
… Petitioner And State of Telangana, Rep. by its Principal Secretary, Department of Forest, Secretariat, Hyderabad and others.
… Respondents This Court made the following:
THE HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE SRI KALYAN JYOTI SENGUPTA AND THE HON’BLE SRI JUSTICE SANJAY KUMAR WRIT PETITION No.22575 of 2014 Order: (per the Hon’ble the Chief Justice Sri Kalyan Jyoti Sengupta) After hearing the learned counsel for the parties, we are of the view that fixation of the entry fee made by the respondents cannot be interfered with by this Court at this stage. In the year 2006 itself, the entry fee was fixed for one year at Rs.800/-; for senior citizens Rs.500/- respectively. The monthly entry fee was fixed at Rs.200/- and for daily visit of adults at Rs.10/- and child at Rs.5/-.
The aforesaid fee was not previously enhanced. Now, after eight years, the respondents proposed to increase the fee. This challenge has been made stating that the rate fixed is exorbitant.
We think that revision of fee has to be made from time to time either in the upward direction or downward direction. It is common knowledge that due to inflation, there has been increase of price almost everywhere, in order to improve the standard of living. It is also undisputed that for the effective maintenance of the park, some revenue has to be generated. When the respondents have decided to enhance the fee, this Court should not prevent them from doing so. However, when the user has made a complaint, this should also be taken into consideration.
In the circumstances, we direct the respondents to treat the copy of the writ petition as a representation and consider the same in accordance with law. The entire exercise shall be completed within a period of four weeks from today. The interim order passed by this Court earlier to continue till then.
The Writ Petition is accordingly disposed of.
Consequently, pending miscellaneous petitions, if any, shall stand closed. No costs.
K.J. SENGUPTA, CJ SANJAY KUMAR, J Date: 13.10.2014 va